Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls during the summer with visitors and ranger admiring it.

Hidden Falls is the park's only accessible waterfall, reachable via two routes: a short shuttle-boat option (1 mile, 300 feet easy) or a longer loop trail (4.9 miles, 620 feet moderate). The payoff is a 100-foot cascade fed by snowmelt and views down Jenny Lake toward Jackson Hole. The real challenge isn't the climb—it's the sun exposure on the west bank and the parking lottery that sends latecomers on the longer route anyway.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out-and-back (two options: 1 mi via shuttle boat or 4.9 mi via South Jenny Lake Loop Trail)
Difficulty Level: Easy via shuttle boat; Moderate via South Jenny Lake Loop Trail
Elevation Gain Feet: 300

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out-and-back (two options: 1 mi via shuttle boat or 4.9 mi via South Jenny Lake Loop Trail)
Difficulty Level: Easy via shuttle boat; Moderate via South Jenny Lake Loop Trail
Elevation Gain Feet: 300
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours via shuttle boat; 3-4 hours via loop trail
Trail Surface: Dirt with sections of rock steps, exposed roots, and loose scree. Mostly firm underfoot but slippery when wet.
Trail Features: 100-foot cascading waterfall
Jenny Lake views
Jackson Hole valley views
Snowmelt-fed cascade
Rocky trail with exposed roots
Rock steps
Mountain vistas
Trail Highlights: The 100-foot waterfall is the payoff—it's the park's only accessible cascade. The views down Jenny Lake and across the Teton Range are the bonus. If you push another 0.5 miles to Inspiration Point, the panorama is worth the extra sweat.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: South Jenny Lake parking area off Teton Park Road (Jenny Lake Scenic Drive access). Park at South Jenny Lake lot or along Teton Park Road if lot is full—pull completely off the road.
Parking Lot Size: Limited capacity lot; summer parking is highly competitive
Parking Fill Time: Typically full by 9:00 AM in summer. Arrive before sunrise to guarantee a spot.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Jenny Lake Boating operates a private shuttle service across Jenny Lake. The boat cuts the hike to 1 mile and 300 feet of elevation gain. Check hours and ticket prices at jennylakeboating.com. Tickets are purchased directly at the boat dock (not in advance). Without the boat, you walk the South Jenny Lake Loop Trail from the parking area (4.9 miles total).

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permit required. General Grand Teton National Park entrance fee applies.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle for 7-day park pass. Shuttle boat tickets sold separately at the dock (current prices on jennylakeboating.com).
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Spring snowmelt (March–May) creates slushy, icy conditions and muddy sections. Trail typically snow-free and safe by late June. Autumn closures are rare.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No potable water on trail. Bring 2 liters minimum in summer. Jenny Lake water is available at the parking area; filter before drinking.
Accessibility: Via shuttle boat: Easy terrain. 1 mile out-and-back, 300 feet elevation gain, dirt with rock steps and exposed obstacles (roots, rocks). Via South Jenny Lake Loop: Moderate terrain. 4.9 miles out-and-back, 620 feet elevation gain, rooty and steep in sections.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Exposed roots and rocks
Slippery when wet or snow-covered
Spring ice and snow patches
Steep sections with fall risk
Cliff edges near water
Sun exposure and dehydration
Wildlife (bears, moose)
Hazard Details: The trail is rocky with frequent exposed roots. Spring snowmelt and rain make rocks slippery—use caution and trekking poles. Steep switchback sections above the lake present fall risk. The most dangerous hazard is often overlooked: sun exposure and dehydration on the treeless west bank. Bears and moose frequent this area, especially near water sources.
Cell Service: Spotty. Jenny Lake area has occasional cellular coverage. Do not rely on it for emergencies. Ranger stations and visitor centers have radios.
Crowd Level: Conga line on summer weekends and midday. This is one of the most popular trails in the park.
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends (especially 10 AM–3 PM). June–August is peak tourist season. Shoulder months (early June, late September) have far fewer hikers.
Best Season: Summer (late June through September)
Best Time To Visit: Arrive at South Jenny Lake by 8:00 AM to secure parking and avoid the midsummer crush. Summer midday sun is brutal—finish by noon. Confirm Jenny Lake Boating shuttle hours at jennylakeboating.com before heading out (they operate seasonally and hours vary).
Tips Advice: Bring 2 liters of water minimum. The west side has zero shade and sun intensity is real.
Wear a hat and sunscreen. Reflection off the lake amplifies UV exposure.
Confirm shuttle boat hours at jennylakeboating.com—they don't run all day.
Tighten your boots before starting. The trail has exposed roots, rocks, and loose scree.
Make noise continuously. This is prime bear habitat near the creek.
Bring trekking poles for the descent. The rocks are loose and wet sections are slippery.

More details

Park Area: Jenny Lake
Trail Markers: Well-marked and well-worn. The trail is obvious and heavily trafficked. You won't get lost, even in light snow.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not permitted on trails in Grand Teton National Park.
Biking Allowed: No. The trail surface—rocks, roots, and steep sections—is unsuitable for bikes.
Shade Level: Mostly exposed. The west side of Jenny Lake (post-shuttle) has minimal tree cover. Sun intensity is high—expect zero shade for most of the hike. Bring sun protection and a hat.
Emergency Contacts: 911 for emergencies. Ranger stations: Colter Bay Visitor Center or Park Headquarters. See nps.gov/grte for current contact information.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: Spring (March–May) has high snow and ice potential. Trail typically becomes safe and snow-free by late June, though icy patches persist through mid-July in shaded sections.
Mud Season: April–May. Spring runoff creates muddy sections, especially near the creek. Rocks and roots are slick. Post-holing (sinking into soft ground) is possible.
Fall Colors Peak: Mid-to-late September as aspen stands turn gold and cottonwoods yellow.
Bug Season: July–August peak mosquito season near the lake. Bring insect repellent. Mosquitoes are intense at dawn and dusk.
Insider Tips: The shuttle boat fills fast on summer weekends. Arrive by 9:00 AM or be prepared to walk the 4.9-mile loop.
The best light for waterfall photos is early morning. The cascade faces west; afternoon light is harsh and washed out.
If you continue to Inspiration Point (0.5 miles beyond Hidden Falls), the final push is all steep switchbacks. Turn back if your quads are screaming.
The trail becomes muddy and treacherous in spring. Summer (July–August) is safest.
Bring extra water if tackling Inspiration Point. It's hot and exposed.
Recent Updates: No recent major trail closures reported. Check nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit for current conditions before heading out.
Family Friendly Notes: Via shuttle: Suitable for older children and fit families. Steep sections require careful footing. Hand-holding mandatory on narrow, exposed spots near the water. Via loop: Long day for young kids—consider ages 10+ only. The lower loop section (lake crossing) is flat; the final 2.9 miles are relentless climbing. Monitor young hikers for fatigue and dehydration.
Nearby Facilities: Parking at South Jenny Lake. Nearest visitor center: Colter Bay Visitor Center (~20 miles north). Nearest supplies: Moose area (~12 miles south). No services directly at the trailhead.
Review Summary: Hikers consistently praise the shuttle option for its easy payoff-to-effort ratio. The waterfall is modest but scenic, and the views of Jenny Lake justify the trip. Most report sun exposure and mid-summer crowds as the real challenge, not the climb itself.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is this trail really?

Via shuttle: a walk. 1 mile, 300 feet, gentle slope. Via loop: moderate. 4.9 miles, 620 feet, relentless climbing. The shuttle is tactical if your goal is the waterfall. The loop is the real workout.

Do I need the shuttle boat?

No, but it saves 3.9 miles and 320 feet of elevation. If you're fit and want lake views and solitude, skip the boat and take the loop. If you want the waterfall quickly, the boat is worth it.

Are there bears?

Yes. This is prime bear habitat near water. Make noise—bells or talking work. Never hike alone at dawn or dusk. Carry bear spray if you have it, but make noise first.

Can I do this trail alone safely?

Yes. It's well-marked, heavily trafficked, and safe in daylight. Tell someone your timeline. Stick to daytime hours (sunrise to sunset). Avoid early morning and dusk when bears are active.

What's the main hazard?

Sun exposure and dehydration. The west side has zero shade. Bring 2 liters of water minimum, a hat, and sunscreen. Spring snowmelt makes rocks slippery—use trekking poles.

Is parking guaranteed?

No. Summer parking fills by 9:00 AM. Arrive earlier, use the shoulder season (June, late September), or be ready to park along the road and walk.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Pets are not permitted on trails in Grand Teton National Park.