Hidden Falls, Plus 5 Other Things to Do at Jenny Lake

Hidden Falls is possibly the most popular day hike in Grand Teton National Park and is often the top item on people’s list of things to do.

And why shouldn’t it be? Hidden Falls is a fantastic waterfall to see, requiring minimal effort to get to.

But, it’s not the only thing to do at Jenny Lake, and as long as you are here check out the other possibilities for fun.

Hidden Falls

The easiest way to access Hidden Falls is from Jenny Lake.

In fact, we wrote a whole separate post dedicated solely to Hidden Falls, giving you tips that will enhance your trip. Instead of repeating everything here for Hidden Falls, please go here:  Do These 4 Things for a Great Hidden Falls Experience

Other Jenny Lake Activities

We have compiled a list of five other activities you can do at Jenny Lake. Some of them can be done the same day you do Hidden Falls.

1. Hike Cascade Canyon

The Cascade Canyon Trail is an in and out trail, so you can hike as little or as far as you like.

If you have hiked to Hidden Falls and want to go further into the back country, follow trail signs to Inspiration Point and then into Cascade Canyon.

As you progress up the canyon, you will come to some boulder fields on the right side of the trail. Keep an eye to the left for openings along the creek. Some openings make nice spots to stop and have a snack or picnic.

Slower water along the Cascade Canyon Hike

You can turn around and leave the way you came, making your way back to the boat dock. (5-6 mi RT from boat dock)

You can also continue on up Cascade Canyon to the fork (8.2 miles RT), and Lake Solitude (13.6 miles RT), (distances are measured from the west boat dock). These are much longer round trip hikes, be sure to take plenty of water and wearing proper shoes and clothing.

Note: If you are planning to hike to the Fork or Lake Solitude these are longer, more strenuous hikes with a lot of steep sections of trail and elevation gain (Fork = 1,110 ft elevation gain / Lake Solitude = 2,350 ft elevation gain). Make sure you have all the hiking gear you need and that you are planning for it to be an all-day activity. Take plenty of water!!

However far you go up Cascade Canyon, make sure to Carry and know how to use Bear Spray. There are many berries around which bears love to eat.

2. Hike Around Jenny Lake

If you are up for a 7.5 mile RT hike, take the trail all the way around Jenny Lake. It’s a relatively flat hike with only a 275 ft elevation gain. If you go early in the morning, you may want to walk counter-clockwise so you can watch how the morning light hits the mountains.

Foot bridge at the south end of Jenny Lake

If you don’t want to hike around the entire lake, use the boat shuttle.

Possible options with the boat shuttle include:

• Take the shuttle to the west dock and walk back heading south. 2.4 mi
• Take the shuttle to the west dock and walk back heading north. 5.1 mi
• Head south and walk to the west dock and take the shuttle back. 2.4 mi
• Head north and walk to the west dock and take the shuttle back. 5.1 mi

Note: You can board the boat on the west dock without a ticket, but will need to pay the one-way ticket fee when exiting the east dock.

3. Take a Jenny Lake Scenic Cruise

Explore Jenny Lake and learn it’s history and geology on this one-hour guided tour of the lake. Have your cameras ready to take pictures of the Cathedral Group. The guides are very knowledgeable, and this is a good activity if it is your first time to the park or if you aren’t very familiar with the area.

Jenny Lake Boating

Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You will be out on the open water.

Schedule and Rates
Reservations are highly recommended

4. Rent a Canoe or Kayak

Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at Jenny Lake East Dock. You can rent by the hour, or for the full day.

Canoes on Jenny Lake, Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

Canoes can hold three adults or two adults and two small children. Kayaks hold two paddlers.

Rental Information

5. Drive the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive follows part of the east shore of Jenny Lake and provides spectacular views of the peaks with the lake in the foreground.

There is a pullout where you can park and view the mountains and lake.

View of Tetons from Jenny Lake Scenic Loop Drive

At the pullout there a few benches to sit at and relax and maybe even have a picnic. If you are feeling energetic, you can also jump on the hiking trail that goes all the way around the lake (7.5 miles).

Access the scenic drive from North Jenny Lake Junction. Drive west toward the mountains, and turn left (south) onto the one-way scenic drive. The scenic road returns to the Teton Park Road just north of South Jenny Lake.

And we thought we’d throw in one more possibility:

Shop Jenny Lake General Store

Here you can pick up something to eat and buy gifts and souvenirs. It has a small grocery store on one side.

Jenny Lake Store Sign

You can also buy souvenirs at the Ranger Station close by, and see a 3D map of the area. The ranger station has some beautiful and unique Christmas ornaments there that are hard to find in other places in Grand Teton.

Know Before You Go

• In the busy season, June – September, the parking lot fills up by about 9:30 am. If you arrive anytime after mid-morning, you may have to park out on the road, which will add about 10+ minutes to your walk to get to the Jenny Lake area. This is especially good to know if you made reservations for a scenic boat cruise.
• For all hikes and water activities have plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray.
• Carry and know how to use Bear Spray

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, exploreGTNP