Things to do nearJenny Lake

Jenny Lake occupies a glacially carved basin inside Grand Teton National Park, formed when a moraine left behind by retreating glaciers dammed the valley floor. The lake sits at roughly 6,800 feet in elevation and reaches depths of nearly 260 feet, fed by cold mountain streams cascading from the peaks above. Its name honors Jenny Leigh, the Shoshone wife of early trapper Richard Leigh, who guided the 1872 Hayden Geological Survey through the region.

Visitors spend their time here hiking, paddling, and simply taking in the scenery. The ferry service that crosses the lake in summer is a practical way to reach the trailhead for Hidden Falls, a short walk that ends at a 200-foot cascade tucked into a rocky canyon. From there, the trail climbs to Inspiration Point, where a broad ledge opens onto a sweeping view of the lake and the valley below. Those who continue further reach the high country of Cascade Canyon, one of the finest guided hikes in the park.

On the water itself, non-motorized boating is permitted, and canoes and kayaks move quietly along the shoreline where Clark's nutcrackers and Steller's jays call from the pines. The surrounding forest of lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce shelters moose, black bears, and river otters. Rangers lead walks from the visitor center near the south shore, offering context on the geology and wildlife of the area.

Jenny Lake stands as one of the most photographed places in the American West for good reason: the combination of still water, reflected peaks, and accessible trails makes it a destination that rewards every kind of visitor, from casual strollers to seasoned mountaineers.