Jenny Lake Loop

The Jenny Lake Loop is a moderately challenging hike in Grand Teton National Park. This is one of the most popular trails in the park. This hike travels around the perimeter of Jenny Lake, which is the second largest lake in Grand Teton National Park. The loop is 7.2 miles long and gains 586 feet of elevation.

This hike starts from the parking lot for the Jenny Lake Visitors Center. This parking lot can fill up fast so be sure to get there early. There are also flush toilets available here. Begin hiking on a paved path towards the boat dock. After 0.1 miles, you will reach the edge of Jenny Lake and go right to take the loop counter clockwise. Hike north along the eastern shore of Jenny Lake. You will enjoy periodic views of numerous peaks in the Teton Range. After 1.3 miles, you will reach Jenny Lake Overlook.

Continue hiking for 1.7 miles before reaching a junction and turning left. You will now cross a bridge over String Lake Outlet. After another 0.3 miles you will encounter a junction and stay left. You will now be hiking along the northwest shore of Jenny Lake. This area was affected by a wildfire in 1999. Further down the west side of Jenny Lake, the trail becomes more forested. 1.2 miles down the trail, you will pass a junction with a horse trail. Stay on the Jenny Lake Loop. After 0.2 more miles you will come to a junction with North Cascade Creek Trail. Stay on the Jenny Lake Loop. 0.2 miles later you will come to one more junction and stay on the Jenny Lake Loop Trail.

You will now be hiking near the southwest shore of Jenny Lake. This portion of the hike is very forested but offers intermittent views of Jenny Lake. After 1.2 miles, you will encounter a junction with Moose Pond Trail and stay left. Another junction is encountered 0.2 miles down the trail. Again, stay on the Jenny Lake Loop. After 0.6 miles you will cross a bridge and come to the paved path that leads back to the parking lot.

The Jenny Lake Loop is best hiked in the spring, summer, and fall. It is $35 for a one-week vehicle pass to get into Grand Teton National Park. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The Jenny Lake Loop is a wonderful way for hikers to explore Grand Teton National Park’s most popular lake.