Hiking to Hidden Falls on the Jenny Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park

Looking for more to explore in the Tetons near Jenny Lake?
Stay overnight at Signal Mountain Campground, a great home base for exploring all Grand Teton Nation Park has to offer.

DIFFICULTY

Moderate — The trail along Jenny Lake has some ups and downs, but elevation gain is minimal until you near Hidden Falls, where there is a brief uphill stretch. The real challenge is the hike up to Inspiration Point, which is steep, very rocky, and exposed. This section is relatively short, but definitely strenuous. Skip it if you don’t feel up to the climb.

CURRENT INFO

Check out the Grand Teton National Park website for more information on Jenny Lake and the hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. A trail map and reviews are available on the AllTrails website. When planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park, I recommend the guidebooks Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton and Moon Best of Yellowstone & Grand Teton, both by Becky Lomax. The former has the most in-depth coverage of these two national parks, while the latter is ideal for a shorter trip.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Since Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls are located within Grand Teton National Park, you must either pay an entrance fee of up to $35 (valid for up to seven days) or use the America the Beautiful pass (or other national parks pass) to enter. You can purchase an annual American the Beautiful pass ahead of time online, or in person at the entrance station to Grand Teton National Park.
• Check ahead of time to see if you qualify for a free or reduced price pass — seniors, fourth graders and active military do! Fourth graders must print a voucher ahead of time to qualify.
• Flush toilets are available at the trailhead.
• The Jenny Lake Visitor Center is located near the trailhead. It was closed during our visit in October.
• Pets are not allowed on the Jenny Lake Trail or most other trails in Grand Teton National Park.
• Boots or shoes with good traction are a must for the hike to Inspiration Point. Trekking poles are recommended for this section, although not required.
• Jenny Lake is extremely popular. Expect crowds in the summer season, although most will take the boat across the lake rather than hike all the way from the Jenny Lake Trailhead. Even on a smoky day in October with no boat service, there were many other hikers on the trail. Arriving extra early is the best way to avoid crowds.
• For a shorter hike, take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake. The out and back hike along Jenny Lake is two miles each way, so taking the boat shaves a total of four miles off of your hike. This is especially advantageous if you plan to hike further into Cascade Canyon past Hidden Falls. The shuttle boats depart from the East Boat Dock near the Jenny Lake Trailhead as shown on the map below. Adult tickets are $20 round trip or $12 one way, and there are discounts for children and seniors.
• Shuttle boats operate from roughly mid-June through mid-September. If you visit in October, as we did, you will have to hike the full trail to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

HIGHLIGHTS

Jenny Lake and the hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is considered one of the iconic experiences of Grand Teton National Park. With views across a deep blue lake, a stunning waterfall, and the Teton Mountains towering overhead, the scenery is stunning. And with boat service shortening the hike to a mere one to two miles during the main season, it’s easy to understand how these trails can be overrun with visitors.

Despite the smoke during our visit, I’m glad to have done this hike. I can only imagine how crowded the trail is during the summer, however, and this is one place where I highly recommend that summer visitors rise early. Plan to arrive at dawn. If you prefer to take the boat across Jenny Lake, plan for the first departure of the day. This gives you time to explore the trails beyond Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, which I’ve heard are well worth the extra miles. But even if you’re running late (no shame, I get it), the hike to Hidden Falls is a worthy addition to any Grand Teton National Park itinerary.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

Hiking to Hidden Falls is a wonderful option for families, whether you take the boat or hike the trail along Jenny Lake to get there. The shuttle boat is a good option if your family wants a shorter hike, but keep in mind that it only runs from mid-June through mid-September. This covers the main visitor season at Grand Teton National Park. If you plan a trip outside of those times (as we did), you will need to hike an additional two miles one-way along Jenny Lake.

While the lakeshore trail and hike to Hidden Falls are fairly easy, the hike to Inspiration Point is much steeper and extremely rocky with exposed drop-offs. My younger son did not like this trail, but we helped him manage his way to the top. If you have very young children or a fear of heights, you may want to skip it.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Jenny Lake is located in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, just eight miles north of the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. We enjoyed exploring the exhibits at the center, which is also where you’ll find the official gift shop and junior ranger booklets.

Nearby, the Chapel of the Transfiguration and Menors Ferry Historic District are both worthwhile stops. It’s also not far from Mormon Row and the famous Moulton Barn, aka the most photographed barn in America. We purchased a Shaka Guide audio tour for Grand Teton National Park prior to our trip, which provided a good historical context and some colorful stories about these places.

North of Jenny Lake lies the far larger Jackson Lake. Two campgrounds and resorts, Signal Mountain and Coulter Bay, are located along the lakeshore. We stayed at Signal Mountain Campground and enjoyed the woodsy setting and easy access to the lake. The resorts offer extra services, including convenience stores, gas, and restaurants. Jenny Lake also hosts its own campground. It’s for tent campers only, while Signal Mountain and Coulter Bay can accommodate RVs and trailers.

After a smoky drive through Grand Teton National Park, we were relieved to see the smoke fade as evening fell. When we awoke the following morning at Signal Mountain Campground, the skies were comparatively clear. Not crystal clear, mind you, but it was an improvement. As we drove south toward Jenny Lake, we marveled at views of the towering Tetons, and cautiously hoped our luck would hold.

Sadly, by the time we arrived at the Jenny Lake Trailhead, the smoke was already thickening. Regardless, we were determined to hike to Hidden Falls. We may not get to enjoy the waters of Jenny Lake sparkling in the sunshine, but we could still appreciate a grand waterfall.

The trailhead is located near the boat dock and visitor center. In my mind, I imagined throngs of summer visitors crowding the parking lot and dock. In early October, however, the shuttle boat service had shut down for the season and the visitor center was closed. A few other hikers passed us as we made our way across the beautiful log bridge near the start of the trail, but it was far from crowded.

The sandy dirt trail wound through the forest offering frequent glimpses across Jenny Lake. It’s an easy path, although we had to navigate one significant blowdown. As the trail progresses, there is some minimal elevation gain, and at one point the trail splits. We kept to the right to stay on the main lakeshore trail. The trail to the left adds more elevation gain.

As you can see, our views were sadly marred by the encroaching smoke. On a clear day, the hike along Jenny Lake would be stunning. Today, under pallid grey skies, the water views were a bit of a letdown.

I found myself enjoying the time in the forest more. Here, the smoke was less noticeable, and pops of yellow and orange stood out against the deep green evergreens. As we drew nearer to to Hidden Falls, we traversed a long series of steps built into the trail. Eventually, we reached a clear, rocky stream and our first look at Hidden Falls.

From here, it wasn’t far to the main viewing area for Hidden Falls. That view is pictured above, so I won’t show it again, but suffice it to say it was the perfect spot for a lunch break. Numerous other hikers came and went as we enjoyed our meal, but it wasn’t overly crowded.

From Hidden Falls, it’s popular to hike a little further to Inspiration Point. Now, when I say “a little further”, I don’t mean to imply this is some quick jaunt through the woods. The trail from Hidden Falls to Inspiration Point is less than half a mile, but gains 250 feet in elevation on a very rough trail. Those with a fear of heights should also note that the trail is often exposed, with steep drop-offs. Popular as it may be, it’s not for the faint of heart.

Although we knew the view atop Inspiration Point would be, let’s say, a little less than inspirational, we decided to give it a go. After all, we were already so close. My younger son was not thrilled with this idea, especially given the precarious nature of the trail. We helped him navigate the scariest parts, and he successfully made it to the top. He was not, however, inspired by the hazy view at the top.

Despite the lackluster view, the rest of us felt the climb was still worth the effort. We lingered briefly, then made our way back down the jagged path to the Jenny Lake trail.

The return hike went quickly. The sun warmed our backs as we passed through golden swaths of thimbleberry bushes before delving back into the forest. Even in the smoke, the hike along Jenny Lake was a joy. Would I do it again? You bet! But hopefully on a clear day where the sky is a dazzling blue mirrored in the depths of the lake, a day when the view from Inspiration Point can truly live up to its name and the experience is, without a doubt, inspirational.