Jenny Lake - Grand Teton NP

Explore the Jenny Lake District for easy access to valley lakes and invigorating hiking while enjoying dramatic mountain scenery. The district offers access to some of the most popular hiking in the park. Hike into Cascade Canyon past Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point; ascend from sagebrush meadows to alpine lakes; or pass through forested trails into Paintbrush Canyon. Climbers find easy access to the world-renowned central Teton peaks from Jenny Lake and Lupine Meadows. Visit the Jenny Lake Ranger Station for current route conditions and backcountry permits during the peak summer months. Drive scenic roads that reach the park's highest vista or curve along the shores of Jenny Lake. After a long day spent exploring the park, Jenny Lake and Signal Mountain campgrounds offer stunning backdrops. As you plan your trip, keep in mind that parking at South Jenny Lake is highly congested and often full from 10 am to 4 pm. The Jenny Lake area remains car-accessible from May 1st-October 31st. The Jenny Lake Visitor Center offers trip planning, weather and camping information. Rangers lead a variety of programs throughout the day including a hike to Inspiration Point and a variety of other programs. Please refer to the park newspaper or ranger-led program page for current schedules. Become a Junior Ranger of any age! Complete a worksheet and attend one ranger-led program This cabin was once the studio for park photographer and artist Harrison Crandall. View one of his original paintings and a hand-tinted photograph hanging beside the fireplace. Enjoy the colorful exhibits on geology and ecology and a raised relief map of the park. Watch a short animated geology film about formation of the Teton Range, experience Teton Range rocks hands-on. The raised relief map provides a birds-eye-view of the valley, canyons, lakes and peaks. If you wish to relax on a chilly morning or a rainy day, warm up by the fireplace.  Jenny Lake has drawn visitors since before the establishment of Grand Teton National Park. Today you can enjoy a variety of activities in the Jenny Lake District.  Hiking: The Jenny Lake District provides outstanding hikes to lakes, into canyons, and along creeks with close-up views of the central Tetons. There are four trailheads within 5 miles with hikes ranging from easy to strenuous, and from the valley floor to the alpine. Weather may change abruptly, afternoon thunderstorms are common, bring extra clothing and plenty of water.  Backpacking: All overnight stays in the park’s backcountry require a permit. Register for your trip at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station (open mid-May through late-September). For additional information, please visit our Backcountry Camping page.  Biking: The multi-use pathway departs from South Jenny Lake and travels eight miles south along the base of the Teton Range to Dornan’s at Moose; open to bikes and other non-motorized transportation.Boating: Rent a canoe or kayak from Jenny Lake Boating, or launch your own boat (≤10 hp) to enjoy the lake at your own pace. A boat permit is required. Sailboats and wind-surfers are not allowed on Jenny Lake, but may be used on Jackson Lake. For greater solitude, launch your non-motorized boat on String Lake and portage to Leigh Lake for spectacular views of Mt. Moran. Fishing: Fish from the lakeshore or a boat to catch cutthroat and lake trout lurking in the cold mountain water. Even though Cottonwood Creek below the lake outlet looks like a great fishing spot, it is off-limits. Cottonwood Creek downstream of the Exum Bridge is open to fishing August 1 through October 31. Purchase a Wyoming fishing license at marinas and tackle shops.  Climbing: The Teton Range draws climbers and mountaineers from around the world to hone their skills. Stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station for current route conditions and overnight permits. Camping: Park campgrounds do not accept reservations (except for group camping), so arrive early for the perfect site. The Jenny Lake Campground provides a quiet escape at day’s end, but it often fills by 9 a.m. Limited to 50 tents, it is a short walk from the lakeshore with views of Teewinot towering above. North on the Teton Park Road nine miles from South Jenny Lake, is the Signal Mountain Campground. This campground has 81 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet in length, and often fills by noon. With views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range and proximity to the Signal Mountain Lodge this campground provides convenient recreation and relaxation.  Wildlife Viewing: Many animals frequent the Jenny Lake area. Watch for wildlife such as: moose, bears, elk, mule deer, pika, marmot, ground squirrels; and birds such as: eagles, osprey and woodpeckers.  Scenic Drives: Driving through Grand Teton National Park provides scenic views at every bend. Two notable scenic drives in the Jenny Lake District include the Jenny Lake scenic loop and the Signal Mountain Summit road. To reach the Scenic Loop, follow the Teton Park Road north from South Jenny Lake Junction to North Jenny Lake Junction. Turn left and enjoy the scenic 4-mile loop back to the Teton Park Road, a portion of this drive is one-way. Stop at the Cathedral Group Turnout and the Jenny Lake Overlook for stunning views.  To reach the summit of Signal Mountain, continue north on the Teton Park Road about nine miles from South Jenny Lake and turn right on the Signal Mountain Road. This five-mile long winding road offers two viewpoints near the top overlooking Jackson Hole with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Swimming: Swim in the seasonally warm String Lake, or brave the cold waters of Jenny & Leigh lakes. When swimming in Jenny Lake, use caution by avoiding boat docks.