We were not sure we could hike all the way around Jenny Lake. During our first visit, sitting beside the water with the Teton mountains rising across the lake, we loved the idea but wondered whether the distance would be too much and if we were prepared for a hike in grizzly bear country.
A brief conversation with a group finishing the hike encouraged us to try. The next morning, we returned prepared for a day on the trail.
Our June 2018 hike became a highlight of our 30th anniversary trip. With a side trip to Hidden Falls, changing views around the lake, wildlife sightings, and quieter stretches near String Lake, it gave us much more than a sense of accomplishment.
A Little Encouragement Beside Jenny Lake
The afternoon before our hike, we visited the Jenny Lake visitor center, walked along the shoreline, and sat on benches enjoying the lake and mountain views. We hoped to hike around the lake, but we hadn’t decided to try yet.
We met a small group of college-age women who were just finishing the loop. My wife asked whether they had enjoyed it and whether they thought we could do it. Their response was encouraging: yes, we could.
We cannot quite explain why that conversation made such a difference, but it did. Hearing their enthusiasm helped us picture ourselves completing the hike. We decided to return the next day with our supplies and give it a try.
A Full Parking Lot and a Prepared Start
By the time we arrived the next morning, the Jenny Lake parking lot was full. We drove back to the main road, found a permitted parking area, and walked to the trailhead. That added distance before we even began the lake loop, something to keep in mind when planning a day here.
We carried a daypack with water, snacks, layers, and bear spray. Hiking in grizzly bear country was unfamiliar to us, and we wanted to be prepared.
With our map in hand and supplies packed, we began along the south side of Jenny Lake. The mountain views that had drawn us here were now part of the experience with every stretch of trail.
A Climb, a Rest Stop, and Hidden Falls
The southern stretch of the lake trail saw more foot traffic than the quieter sections we reached later. As we approached the Cascade Canyon area, the trail gained elevation, and we paused on top of a massive rock with a small group of other hikers.
It was a welcome place to rest, drink some water, and have a snack before continuing. Taking breaks also gave us time to appreciate where we were rather than focus only on completing the loop.
We followed a side trail to Hidden Falls, then returned to our Jenny Lake loop. We did not hike to Inspiration Point. The waterfall added another memorable stop to a day already filled with lake and mountain views.
Quieter Trails and Wildlife Along the Lake
Beyond the busier Cascade Canyon area, the trail became much quieter. For much of the remaining hike, we saw only two or three other people until we neared the visitor center again.
We spotted marmots, an osprey, and grouse along the way. When we passed another couple, we overheard one remark that at least we had bear spray. It reminded us we weren’t the only visitors thinking about hiking in bear country.
At one point, we noticed what looked like a gnawed elk hoof beside the trail. We didn’t know how it got there, but the sight made us especially aware of our surroundings, and we kept going. We assumed a grizzly bear or wolf had left it.
The quieter stretches let us enjoy the changing views of Jenny Lake and the mountains. Walking the shoreline revealed perspectives we would have missed if we had stayed near the visitor center.
String Lake and the Final Stretch
We especially enjoyed the section near String Lake and the bridge crossing over the water between String Lake and Jenny Lake. It added another change of scenery as we continued around the loop.
As we approached the final stretch, dark clouds moved over the Teton mountains, and a little light rain began to fall. We returned to where we met the young women the previous afternoon, then continued to the visitor center.
After taking a few more photographs of the lake, we walked back to our rental truck and headed to the hotel for the final night of our anniversary trip. We completed the hike we’d been wondering about, and the views along the way made it worth it.
That evening, we enjoyed another bison dinner at our hotel before flying home the next morning from Jackson. It was a memorable finish to our time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Jenny Lake Hike at a Glance
• Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
• Starting point: Jenny Lake Trailhead at South Jenny Lake
• Route: Loop around Jenny Lake
• Distance: Approximately 7.1 miles for the standard loop (we ended up hiking over 9 miles, including our walk to and from the car and some side trails)
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,040 feet, according to the National Park Service
• Difficulty: Moderate, with uneven footing, exposed rocks, and roots
• Estimated time: 3 to 5 hours for the standard loop; allow additional time for breaks, photographs, and side trips
Our hike also included a side trip to Hidden Falls and extra walking from our parking area. These additions made our outing longer than the standard loop. We did not record an exact total distance or completion time.
Check the official National Park Service Jenny Lake Loop guide for route details before your visit.
Planning Your Own Jenny Lake Hike
Start with a route that fits your abilities and interests. The full Jenny Lake loop is a substantial walk, especially when you add side trips or parking farther from the trailhead. A shorter shoreline walk can still provide memorable views.
Arrive early to give yourself more time for parking and exploring. Carry water, food, layers, and a map, and check the forecast and trail conditions before setting out. Our hike ended with light rain as clouds moved over the mountains.
Prepare for hiking in bear country. Read the park’s guidance, carry accessible bear spray, and know how to use it. Keep your distance from wildlife and give animals room to move.
Our story describes a June 2018 visit. Check Grand Teton’s current conditions and safety guidance for information relevant to your trip.
Completing the Jenny Lake loop gave us a lasting memory of our anniversary trip. We started with some uncertainty and finished grateful we prepared, accepted a little encouragement, and gave ourselves the chance to explore.
For more experiences from our visit, explore our Grand Teton National Park guide. You can also browse our hiking guides for ideas to help you plan your next day on the trail.
Adventure Never Gets Old™