Jenny Lake Hike to Hidden Falls: Expert Grand Teton Guide

After our morning hike in Grand Teton National Park, exploring Taggart Lake, we headed to Jenny Lake. Jenny Lake is one of the most picturesque lakes in the park, and you can’t miss it! In this post, we’ll discuss the Jenny Lake Hike to Hidden Falls.

There are a few options to get to Hidden Falls. You can hike a short trail, hike a longer trail, or even take the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle across for a quick trip. Read on to find out all the details, and be sure to check out our Grand Teton/Yellowstone itinerary if you’re looking for more fun in the Grand Tetons.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure for more information.

Need to Know Info

• An entrance fee is required at Grand Teton National Park. We recommend getting an annual pass. The pass expires after one year, but it usually pays for itself if you visit enough parks in one year. Visit our gear page to purchase your America the Beautiful Pass online at REI’s website.
  • In some cases, you can purchase an annual pass at the entrance of most parks. Plus, sometimes they have designated lanes for entry if you already have your pass.
• Arrive early at Grand Teton National Park. Arriving before or around 8 am is the best way to secure parking. We arrived around this time each day, and we had no issue with parking. Plus, with the sun behind you, lighting up the Tetons in that amazing morning light as you approach the park: *chef’s kiss* 😍
• It’s best to visit the Grand Tetons during late June, July, or August. During these warmer months, you can hit the trails, and everything should be mostly snow-free along the trails in the higher elevations. Key word there…”should”.

Jenny Lake Hike to Hidden Falls

Drive to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center just off Teton Park Road. From Taggart Lake, it’s a 10-15 minute drive. Check out the visitor center and take a few photos with the Jenny Lake sign. Then, get ready to hike or take a scenic boat ride across the lake.

As noted, there are a few options for getting to Hidden Falls. You can:

• Take the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle: 0.5 mile to Hidden Falls, one way; 1 mile out and back.
• Take a short hike around the southern shore of Jenny Lake: 2.6 miles, one way to Hidden Falls; 5.2 miles round-trip using the south shore trail.
• Take a long hike around the northern shore of Jenny Lake and back to the visitor center on the south shore: 5.2 miles, one way to Hidden Falls; 7.4-mile loop.

Whichever option you choose, the scenery here is outstanding! Let’s go into more detail about each of these options.

Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat

This is the quickest and easiest way to complete a trip to Hidden Falls. The Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat runs every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. Advance reservations are not needed, which is a welcome difference from some national parks.

To get to the west side of the lake, head to the east boat dock (near the Jenny Lake visitor center), purchase your fare, and board the boat. This quick ride basically eliminates the 2-ish-mile hike needed to visit the western side of the lake from the visitor center. If you are short on time or don’t want to hike, this is the option for you!

Once you reach the western side of Jenny Lake, it’s a quick half-mile hike to Hidden Falls via a few trail options. Just follow the signs to get there, but be ready for some elevation gain.

Additionally, you can technically complete the hike from Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and take the shuttle back or vice versa (take a one-way hike from either point). For example, after you hike to Hidden Falls from the visitor center, take the Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat to return to the east side of the lake. Just be sure to pay at the counter when you arrive at the dock!

Jenny Lake Short Hike – 5.2 miles

The next way to complete the Jenny Lake hike to Hidden Falls is to complete a short out-and-back hike on the south shore of the lake. Starting from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, take the Jenny Lake Loop Trail from the boat dock to the south (or when facing the lake, to your left).

The trail crosses the lake near the east boat dock and travels around the shore of Jenny Lake. The first mile is relatively flat, but gains some elevation as you approach Moose Lake on your left. After a slight decline, the next mile of trail is flat until you reach the 2-mile mark.

Then, the trail steepens as you reach the Cascade Canyon Trail. Take this trail about 0.3 miles until you reach Hidden Falls. From here, hike back the way you came, or take the shuttle boat for a nice break and scenic ride on the lake. If you hike back, the trip comes out to about 5.2 miles.

➡️ Read next: Take an easy hike to Taggart Lake.

Jenny Lake Long Hike – 7.4 miles

If you are looking for a long and scenic hike to spend the day at Jenny Lake, this is your option. Complete the entire loop around Jenny Lake for a total of about 7.4 miles. Starting at the visitor center, head either direction along the Jenny Lake Loop.

We recommend heading north and around the eastern portion of the lake before reaching the west boat dock and the Cascade Canyon Trail, which leads to Hidden Falls. Along the east side of the lake, the views are absolutely stunning, with the gorgeous snow-capped mountains reflecting over the lake.

Hiking north along the eastern side of the lake, travel about 3 miles to reach String Lake. This is another nice scenic point as you continue the loop. You’ll note that here, you have to travel inland as there is no bridge crossing near Jenny Lake

From String Lake, hike another 2 miles or so to reach the junction to Hidden Falls. It’s a short but steep jaunt up to Hidden Lake from here. Once you visit Hidden Falls, retrace your steps and continue around the loop for a little over 2 miles to reach the visitor center.

Don’t forget, if you’re tired of hiking at this point, hop on the Jenny Lake shuttle and take a nice scenic ride back instead!

🌲 If you aren’t looking to hike in Grand Teton National Park, never fear! Check out the fun tour options from Viator!

Other Options at Jenny Lake

Not only does Jenny Lake Boating provide a nice shuttle across the lake, but you can also take a scenic cruise or rent canoes and kayaks, depending on the season!

Scenic cruises include a 1-hour tour of Jenny Lake while you learn about the history and geography of Grand Teton National Park. Don’t forget your camera here, as the mountains are breathtaking.

Jenny Lake canoe and kayak rentals depend on the water temperature of the lake and usually open in late June or July. Rentals are first-come, first-served. Check out all the options that Jenny Lake Boating provides here!

Animal Safety in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park has a diverse range of animals living in the park. Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, bison, squirrels, snakes (not venomous!), marmots, and eagles are just a few of the animals you might see.

Always carry bear spray while hiking in the Tetons. Purchase your bear spray near the park in Jackson, or rent it from somewhere if you don’t plan on keeping it. Bear spray is NOT allowed on aircraft in checked or carry-on luggage. Make sure to review the steps to take if you encounter a bear during your adventure.

Before hiking, learn how to spot the difference between grizzly and black bears and what to do if you see one. That being said, it’s unlikely that you will have an aggressive animal encounter, but always be prepared. Do NOT leave food in your car!

Safety and Weather in Grand Teton National Park

• Cell phone coverage could be spotty in certain areas of Grand Teton National Park.
• Don’t forget to bring your bug spray. Get our favorite here!
• Plan on letting a family member or friend who isn’t on the trip with you know where you’ll be each day while exploring. If you get lost, this will aid in your rescue.
• Water: Still using one-time-use plastic bottles? Let’s get more sustainable and carry a water bladder instead! It’s recommended to carry at least 1 liter of water for every 5 miles you are hiking.
• Food: There are limited food options near the Grand Tetons. If you are looking for food here, your best bet is to travel back to Jackson Hole.
• The weather can vary depending on your location in the park. Higher elevation areas will be cooler, especially in and around the forested and shady areas of the park. You may even see snow at high elevations in the summer months. Be aware of afternoon thunderstorms and the threat of lightning from July through August. Check out the current conditions on the national park website.

Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Hole is the perfect spot to stay while spending 4 days in Grand Teton National Park. It’s also possible to stay a bit farther away in Victor, Idaho. Here are some of the top accommodations:

• Flat Creek Inn: This roadside motel is located directly across from the National Elk Refuge. Clean and comfortable. This is one of the closest hotels to Grand Teton National Park, situated just north of Jackson Hole. We had a great stay here during part of our trip! Book it here at Expedia or Booking.com.
• Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole: Just minutes from downtown. Rooms feature private fireplaces and views of Wyoming’s surrounding wild beauty. Pet-friendly, hot tub, and a restaurant is located on site. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
• The Rockwell Inn: Luxury accommodations in Jackson Hole. Begin each day with a hearty breakfast. Free parking, an on-site pool and hot tub, and fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon. Reserve your room on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Cobblestone Hotel & Suites – Victor, ID: A newer hotel offering free breakfast. However, this hotel is about 1.5 hours from Grand Teton National Park. That being said, it’s possible it could be cheaper than others in Jackson Hole during the high season. We stayed here due to this exact reason. We loved it! Book your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.

Final Thoughts

Now you have it! There are plenty of options to complete the Jenny Lake hike to Hidden Falls. Whether you are looking for a nice scenic ride on the lake or a longer day hike, you can pick the best option that suits you and your family and friends.

We ended up hiking the shorter out-and-back route because we needed those steps! Plus, we had planned on using the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle the next day as we made our way to Lake Solitude via the Cascade Canyon Trail.

Regardless of what option you choose, the Jenny Lake hike to Hidden Falls is something you can’t miss while visiting the Grand Tetons!

🍪 Oh! Did you say cookies?! Be sure to book your stay at The Rockwell Inn to get some!