Best Jenny Lake Guide To Make Your Next Trip Easy
We’ve found Lake Jenny to be the crown jewel of our experience in Grand Teton National Park—a place where the lake, trails, and iconic peaks come alive at every visit. In our experience, the best days start before 8 AM, when the shoreline is calm and parking at the Jenny Lake Trailhead is still plentiful.
Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Starting at Jenny Lake Visitor Center is our go-to move for a smooth day in Grand Teton National Park. Here we grab current maps, boating and backcountry camping permits, and up-to-date park information, then head out with confidence. In our experience, check hours in advance and plan to arrive early, since parking can fill during peak seasons and ranger programs vary by day and month.
Jenny Lake Ferry
Hook: If you only have time for one iconic ride in Jenny Lake, this ferry crossing is your best shortcut to more views and fewer miles on foot. In our experience, the breeze off the water and the granite spires around you make the entire trip feel like a postcard come to life.
We’ve found that planning around the ferry schedule can save you hours. The ride across Jenny Lake shaves about 7 miles of hiking, but you still get uninterrupted wildlife and scenery on both shores. For the smoothest experience, aim for the first departure of the day and have a backup plan if a second crossing fills up; on busy days, lines can form by late morning.
The Lake Jenny Ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with service coordinated through Jenny Lake Boating. In our experience, arriving 30–45 minutes before the posted first ferry gives you a generous buffer for payment and boarding, plus a chance to pick a preferred side for your return hike. We recommend checking the official site for current boat counts and delays, then planning your route to maximize your time on the trail or at the lakefront.
Prices
Prices at Jenny Lake can shape how you pace your day on the water, and we’ve learned a few smart moves to keep the trip smooth. In our experience, understanding the exact categories lets you budget and avoid dockside delays.
- $20 Round trip Adult (12 – 61)
- $12 One way Adult
- $12 Round trip Child (2 – 11)
- $10 One Way Child
- $17 Round trip Senior
Pro tip from the field: if you’re traveling with kids or seniors, consider buying the round-trip option where it makes sense for your day plan to minimize repeat lines. We recommend checking the official schedule on the day you arrive to align your boat time with your planned hike or shuttle ride to your trailhead.
Jenny Lake Kayaking
Picture yourself gliding across Lake Jenny with the stunning peaks reflected in the water—this is where our logistics keep the day simple. We’ve found the launch from the Jenny Lake Boat Dock gives you quick access to both upriver and across to the String Lake side, with calm mornings often offering the best water. If you’re after wide-open water, plan for a mid-morning paddle when winds are typically gentler.
Jenny Lake Boating handles rentals and offers canoes for groups. In our experience, rates are around $25 per hour or $100 for a full day, and rentals are first-come, first-served—so we recommend arriving 45 minutes before you plan to paddle to secure a boat. Always wear a properly sized life jacket and stay aware of wind shifts that can make the far shoreline feel distant quickly.
Jenny Lake Lodge
If you crave lakeside luxury after a day on the Jenny Lake trails, Lake Jenny Lodge hits the sweet spot for us. We’ve found the views across the water and the easy access to the lake shoreline can make sunsets unforgettable.
Cabin-style duplexes offer a comfy, home-away-from-home feel. We recommend choosing a unit in Building A for quieter mornings and closer proximity to the water; expect cozy interiors and thoughtful photos-worthy porches with mountain views.
The lodge’s all-inclusive packages are a real timesaver, with dining plans and activity itineraries that fit families and solo travelers alike. In our experience, the guided hikes, bike rentals, and occasional boat cruises are convenient add-ons right on site.
If you’re weighing your options in the Tetons, we recommend scheduling a midweek stay to dodge peak crowds and savor the calm mornings when the lake is glassy and the peaks are pristine.
Jenny Lake Campground
Jenny Lake Campground is our base for exploring the Tetons, and we’ve found it spots a great balance of convenience and scenery.
This tent-only site offers practical amenities like camp showers, flush toilets, a nearby camp store, and ice and firewood—plus reliable cell service in many loops. In our experience, you’ll want to arrive early to snag one of the loop-by-the-lake sites, which tend to book up fast in peak season.
With its close-in location to Jenny Lake and easy access to the park’s best hikes, Lake Jenny Campground remains our top pick for a comfortable, active stay.
Jenny Lake Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is one of the most popular trails in Grand Teton National Park, and for good reason. We love how a short, family-friendly hike can feel like a quick gateway to alpine scenery.
With Jenny Lake’s ferry access on the west side, the 1-mile round-trip hike is easy, and you can extend about 0.5 miles to Inspiration Point for sweeping views. We recommend starting early to beat the mid-morning crowds and to snag parking near the Jenny Lake Trailhead.
Hidden Falls drops about 100 feet, and the viewpoints offer fantastic angles of Jenny Lake and the surrounding peaks. The water runs clear, the wildlife is plentiful, and it’s an ideal spot to pause and soak in the scenery before continuing your Grand Teton adventure. In our experience, the loop around the falls provides perfect photo opportunities without a long commitment.
So, whether you’re after a quick loop or a longer lakeside stroll, Hidden Falls at Jenny Lake remains a must-do in Grand Teton National Park.
scenic-drive">Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
Few drives deliver alpine drama with such consistent ease as the Lake Jenny Scenic Drive. In our experience, the east shore loop along Jenny Lake showcases mountaintop panoramas, reflected in a glassy lake surface, and occasional wildlife sightings from elk to eagles.
The route takes about 25–30 minutes in light traffic, and it’s a perfect short break between hiking or driving legs. We recommend starting from the east end near the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and pausing at the Jenny Lake Overlook and Hidden Falls trailhead pullouts for the best photo opps.
Tip from our team: park at the east-side pullouts rather than circling the full loop if you’re short on time. We’ve found the pullouts near Jenny Lake Scenic Drive’s eastern start offer quieter vantage points and easier foot access to the lake’s shorelines—great for a quick stretch and a couple of snaps before continuing your trip.
Jenny Lake Overlook
Lake Jenny Overlook in Grand Teton National Park is quite the spot. Right off of Jenny Lake scenic drive, this vantage point offers visitors a stunning view into Cascade Canyon and an opportunity to see Inspiration Point in all its glory.
On calm days, it is said that you can even hear Hidden Falls echoing over the tranquil lake – adding to the overall experience. The best part is, Jenny Lake Overlook has it’s own parking for very easy access.
Jenny Lake Overlook is definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Grand Teton National Park.
