Jenny Lake
#1 in Best Things To Do in Grand Teton National Park
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- 5.0Value
- 4.5Facilities
- 5.0Atmosphere
The 2-mile-long, 250-foot-deep Jenny Lake is the muse of many an artist and photographer –and a great place to base your Grand Teton National Park trip. Depending on the weather, visitors can fish, paddle, swim, or boat its waters, or they can take the moderate 7 ½-mile round-trip hike from the Jenny Lake Trailhead for views of Cascade Canyon, Storm Point, Symmetry Spire and Mount Moran, among others. There is also a much shorter 1 ½ -mile round-trip hike to Hidden Falls, which is a traveler favorite. It's a central spot for visitors wanting to spend a night at the campsite or upscale Jenny Lake Lodge. If travelers would rather boat than hike their way to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, they can hop aboard the Jenny Lake Boating shuttle service, which offers shuttles every 10 to 15 minutes during the day. Taking the shuttle will knock off 2 miles (each way) to the Cascade Canyon trailhead.
Hit this popular trail early to avoid the crowds (the parking at the southern end of Jenny Lake is often full from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), but don't miss it since recent travelers describe it as a "must-see" with "great views." Others called Jenny Lake the "prettiest" in the country.
Because the Jenny Lake district is undergoing a multiyear rehab project, it's important that visitors stop into the Jenny Lake Visitor Center to get the lowdown on any current closures. You'll find the lake in Moose, Wyoming, just off Teton Park Road, which is closed for the winter season from Nov. 1 to April 30. Access to the Jenny Lake District is free with park admission. Additional information about Jenny Lake's sights and activities can be found on the National Park Service's website.
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#2 Teton Park Road
Teton Park Road winds around the base of the Teton Range, offering visitors an overview of the park, including views of the Tetons, Menors Ferry Historic District, the Snake River Overlook and Jenny Lake. You'll also likely spot some wildlife, such as elk, moose, bison and maybe even a bear or two.
If you can't hike through the park, one traveler says Teton Park Road is the next-best way to explore the park, adding that the turnouts are "amazing." As with other popular attractions within the park, reviewers advise you get an early start to avoid a slowdown. Several visitors also suggest purchasing the GyPSy Guide app for your smartphone if you're interested in a more in-depth commentary than the visitor center pamphlets can provide.
Teton Park Road winds around the base of the Teton Range, offering visitors an overview of the park, including views of the Tetons, Menors Ferry Historic District, the Snake River Overlook and Jenny Lake. You'll also likely spot some wildlife, such as elk, moose, bison and maybe even a bear or two.
If you can't hike through the park, one traveler says Teton Park Road is the next-best way to explore the park, adding that the turnouts are "amazing." As with other popular attractions within the park, reviewers advise you get an early start to avoid a slowdown. Several visitors also suggest purchasing the GyPSy Guide app for your smartphone if you're interested in a more in-depth commentary than the visitor center pamphlets can provide.
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