Jenny Lake in Wyoming 2025

Jenny Lake is one of the most popular destinations in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The lake formed by glaciers is 129 m (423 ft) deep covering the area of 482 ha (1,191 acres). Jenny Lake is named after a Shoshone Indian woman who got married to an Englishmen.

Jenny Lake Loop will take you on a scenic hike around the lake. It starts at the Jenny Lake Trailhead near the visitor center and boat dock. You can hike in either direction. The counter-clockwise direction is better for an early part of the day when the lighting on the mountains towards the west is much better. From the East Boat Dock area the trail runs along the eastern shore of the lake where the terrain is mostly forested and fairly flat. There are a few short hills to traverse, but nothing too strenuous. For the most part, the loop trail is relatively close to the shoreline and gives numerous vantage points along the way with views of Mt. Owen, Teewinot Mountain, Storm Point, Cascade Canyon, Symmetry Spire, Rockchuck Peak, Mt. St. John, and Mt. Moran.

The water in Jenny Lake is incredibly pure. It's a popular place for hiking, boating, and camping. Climbers camp at Jenny Lake before getting to central Teton peaks. Jenny Lake and Signal Mountain campgrounds offer great views. The best time for outdoor activities in the area is from May through October, when the rea is car-accessible.

Jenny Lake's Inspiration Point hike is a popular route that starts with a lake crossing by boat or a walk around the lake to Cascade Canyon. From the trailhead located at the boat dock, the trail to the canyon is about two miles long and then about one mile uphill to the Inspiration Point. The path climbs steeply to the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. There is plenty of wildlife in these parts—hikers may see marmots, a moose or a bear. Once you reach Inspiration Point, you get rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of Jenny Lake.