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One of the most popular trails in Grand Teton and maybe the world...


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Map Key

7.3

Miles

11.8

KM

98%

Runnable

6,897' 2,102 m

High

6,788' 2,069 m

Low

385' 117 m

Up

384' 117 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Without a doubt the Jenny Lake Trail is the easiest way to get up close and personal with the Tetons. Jenny Lake is ultra-crowded, but well worth the journey.

If you're looking to add a little flair to this awesome run, be sure to head up to Inspiration Point on Cascade Canyon Trail - the views of Jenny Lake from there are awe-inspiring. Additionally, you'll pass Hidden Falls, an over 100' waterfall.

Need to Know

Be sure to bring some cash on this run as the Jenny Lake Lodge has great dining options. The Lodge is conveniently located just off of the trail's northern extent.

Description

BAM! Right from the get-go views of the Teton's Cathedral Group will slap you right in the face; and this doesn't stop for the duration of the run.

The Cathedral group consists of the following peaks: Mount Owen (12,928'), Middle Teton (12,804'), South Teton (12,514'), Teewinot Mountain (12,330'), Teepe Pillar (12,266'), Cloudveil Dome (12,026'), Nez Perce Peak (11,901'), and Buck Mountain (11,938').

The vistas are especially good on the eastern side of Jenny Lake, so plan accordingly.

From the Jenny Lake trailhead, the Jenny Lake trail is one of the most popular runs in Grand Teton National Park, and for good reason! This easy run circumnavigates Jenny Lake and provides pedestrian access to Cascade Canyon Trail, Hidden Falls Spur (to Hidden Falls waterfall), and String Lake Trail.

As mentioned earlier, don't miss the view of Hidden Falls or Inspiration Point, unless you're crunched for time.

Flora & Fauna

Aquatic habitats and adjacent forests, marshes and meadows fulfill the needs of many forms of wildlife. Diverse and abundant vegetation offers excellent food and cover. Look for moose, river otters, beavers, muskrats, coyotes and mule deer.

Aspen, cottonwood, alder, and willow trees abound on this run.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 140 votes

#3

in West

#71

Overall
  4.5 from 140 votes
5 Star
64%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in West

#3

in Wyoming

#71

Overall
11 Views Last Month
12,224 Since Jan 29, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

9%
19%
64%
5%
3%
0%

Photos

At the Base of the Peaks with permission from Hobbes7714 Photo Credit: Andrew Wahr  Link: https://twitter.com/WahrAndrew
Jan 8, 2015 near Jackson, WY
Fun little lunch spot on the shores of Jenny Lake 10/12/18
Oct 14, 2018 near Colter…, WY
Jenny Lake Overlook, Morning views.
Dec 18, 2015 near Jackson, WY
Grand Teton National Park
Apr 1, 2020 near Colter…, WY
Looking across Jenny Lake to Rockchuck Peak (11,081').
Dec 20, 2014 near Jackson, WY
A great trail with fantastic views all around.
Nov 5, 2016 near Alta, WY

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Check-Ins

Sep 15, 2020
Marizonagirl M
Beautiful hike but super crowded on way down near the boat ramp. Ruined it for me. We turned around in Cascade Canyon after 4.5 miles.
Sep 11, 2020
Matt Hoover
Sep 10, 2020
Charly Jackson
Jun 23, 2020
Evelyn Z
Jun 29, 2019
Cameron Galt
Ran to Inspiration Point as well. 7.6mi — 1h 27m
Jun 23, 2019
Danielle Gale
Fun! More elevation gain than expected and people dodging slowed me down. However, one of the most beautiful runs I've ever done! 7.3mi — 1h 34m
Sep 23, 2018
Kate McDermott
8.8mi — 1h 52m
Jul 17, 2018
ryan c
ran up past moose ponds and around Jenny lake. I really like it except dor the attitude of entitlement with some people. 10mi
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