Jenny Lake
4.9(589)google
4.9(15)yelp
BoatingHikingLakeMountainScenic Lookout
Overview
Jenny Lake is one of the crown jewels of Grand Teton National Park, nestled right at the base of the tallest peaks. Its crystalline waters reflect the dramatic mountain scenery, attracting visitors who come to rent boats, take a scenic shuttle boat ride across the water, or simply relax along the shoreline. It serves as the primary starting point for several of the park's most popular wilderness trails.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-5 hours
Best TimeJune to September offers the clearest weather. Arriving before 7:00 AM is highly recommended, as the pristine lake surface becomes a perfect mirror for the Teton Range, and you will beat the heavy crowds for the shuttle boat and Hidden Falls trail.
Getting ThereLocated within Grand Teton National Park. Drive along Teton Park Road and turn onto Jenny Lake Scenic Drive to access the main parking lot. Spaces fill up rapidly after 9:00 AM in summer, so an early arrival is critical.
Travel Tips
- The Jenny Lake Boating Shuttle experiences severe lines between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM in summer, with wait times exceeding 1 hour. Arrive at the South Terminal by 7:30 AM to take the earliest shuttle to the West Shore and bypass crowds.
- The main Jenny Lake Visitor Center parking lot typically fills completely by 9:00 AM, triggering strict traffic diversions. If arriving late, park at the nearby String Lake lot and hike the connector trails to reach Jenny Lake's edge.
- Missing the last return shuttle boat (closing varies seasonally between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM) forces a mandatory 2.4-mile rugged hike back to the parking lot. There are no sweep vehicles; verify the last departure time at the dock.
Reviews
Positive
- The lake water is crystal clear, perfectly reflecting the majestic Grand Teton peak, resembling a living postcard.
- Taking the shuttle boat across the lake is delightful and drastically shortens the hiking distance to Hidden Falls.
- The loop trail around the lake is beautifully graded and well-shaded, with a refreshing lake breeze constantly blowing in summer.
- The Jenny Lake Visitor Center has very fresh facilities, clean odor-free restrooms, and practical water bottle filling stations.
Heads up
- This is the most heavily congested spot in the entire park; the boardwalks are packed in peak season, making peace hard to find.
- The shuttle boat round-trip tickets are quite pricey for a family, and waiting in line to board often takes over half an hour.
- If you don't arrive before 7:30 AM, the closest lot will be full, forcing you to park on the roadside over a mile away.
- Due to heavy foot traffic, sections of the trails to the falls and overlooks are dusty, and rocks have become slick from wear.