Jenny Lake Trail
4.7(14)google
4.9(15)yelp
HikingLakeScenic LookoutWaterfall
Overview
The Jenny Lake Trail is a classic 7.1-mile loop trail that circles the perimeter of Jenny Lake, offering flat terrain combined with magnificent, close-up mountain views. Perfect for hikers of moderate ability, the trail provides easy access to side detours like Hidden Falls, a roaring cascading waterfall, and Inspiration Point, which rewards hikers with an expansive view overlooking the sparkling lake below.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 3-5 hours
Best TimeSummer mornings from June to September are best. Hitting the trail before 8:00 AM ensures cooler temperatures and plenty of shade along the lake shore, making the hike highly comfortable and increasing chances of spotting black bears.
Getting ThereThe trail begins at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Drive to the main Jenny Lake parking lot, park, and walk to the waterfront to locate the trailhead. You can also take the seasonal shuttle boat to trim the hiking distance.
Travel Tips
- The 7.6-mile lakeside loop is generally flat, but the western branch to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is steep, rocky, and heavily congested. Sturdy hiking boots with traction are required to prevent slipping on worn, slick granite steps.
- This entire trail is an active grizzly and black bear foraging corridor, especially around the berry-rich west shore in July and August. Hikers must make regular vocal noise to prevent startling wildlife, and bear spray must be kept accessible on your body.
- If you plan to hike one-way and take the boat back, purchase tickets in advance at the south dock. Summer afternoon queues at the west dock can exceed an hour; if you miss the final ferry, you must hike an additional 2.4 rugged miles back.
Reviews
Positive
- The loop trail has gentle elevation edits, offering rich experiences with deep forest shade and continuous open lake views.
- The trail branches out clearly towards Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, with highly clear and accurate directional signs.
- You can regularly spot squirrels and chipmunks along the way, and sometimes encounter deer drinking by the stream, making it highly fun.
- The trail maintenance is superb; key steep or rocky sections are built with neat steps, ensuring solid safety features.
Heads up
- As the most popular trail, you often meet massive crowds midway, forcing you to step aside frequently at narrow points to let people pass.
- The entire lake loop is nearly 8 miles long; for average tourists with basic fitness, completing it in one go is quite draining.
- The prime sections near the boat dock and falls often have horse manure and livestock waste, causing strong odors and attracting flies.
- There are zero public toilets along the trail stretch; if nature calls, you have to hike miles back to the trailhead or dock.