Photo: Joseph Rouse
Photo: Rémy BERTHOMIEU
Photo: Ganapathy Subramanian
Jenny Lake Trailhead
★4.9(692 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 3-6 hours depending on distance hiked👶 Best for ages 4 and up. The well-maintained trail works great for elementary-aged kids who can handle 2-7 miles of walking, while the boat shuttle option makes it accessible even for preschoolers. Babies in carriers do well here, though strollers are challenging on rockier sections.🧡 Saved by 19 families
About
Jenny Lake Trailhead offers families one of the most breathtaking and accessible hiking experiences in Grand Teton National Park. The relatively flat trail around this stunning glacial lake provides jaw-dropping mountain views, opportunities to spot wildlife like moose and eagles, and multiple turnaround points making it perfect for families with varying hiking abilities.
Highlights
- ✓Crystal-clear glacial lake with picture-perfect Teton Mountain reflections
- ✓Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point,kid-manageable waterfall destination
- ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities including moose, deer, eagles, and marmots
- ✓Jenny Lake Boating shuttle that cuts hiking distance in half
- ✓Sandy beach areas perfect for rock-skipping and lunch breaks
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 8 AM or take the Jenny Lake shuttle boat ($10-20/person) to avoid the notoriously crowded parking lot that fills by 9 AM in summer
- 2.Pack bear spray and make noise on the trail,moose and black bears frequent this area, especially near Hidden Falls
- 3.Bring layers even in summer; temperatures can drop 20+ degrees near the lake and at higher elevations
- 4.The loop is 7.6 miles total, but you can turn around at any point,Hidden Falls (2.4 miles one-way via boat, 5 miles hiking) is a perfect kid-friendly goal
- 5.Download offline maps as cell service is unreliable throughout the trail system
Best Time to Visit
Visit mid-June through early September for snow-free trails and boat shuttle access. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Mornings offer the best wildlife viewing and parking availability, plus calmer lake waters for stunning mountain reflections.
What to Know
Grand Teton National Park charges $35 per vehicle (7-day pass) or $20 per person without a vehicle. The trailhead has vault toilets but no food services, and the nearest restaurants are 30+ minutes away in Jackson or Moose, so pack plenty of snacks and water.
Seasonal Notes
Trail is typically snow-free from mid-June through October, with peak season July-August. The Jenny Lake shuttle boat operates roughly late May through September (weather dependent). Winter access requires snowshoes or cross-country skis and experience in winter conditions. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds but check trail conditions as snow lingers at higher elevations.
Nearby Eats
Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room offers upscale meals (reservations required, pricey but memorable), or head to Dornan's Chuckwagon in Moose (12 miles south) for family-friendly pancakes and burgers with Teton views. Most families pack picnic lunches as dining options near the trailhead are extremely limited.
More Activities Near Jackson
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Snake River Park Scenic Float Trips
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Drift down the majestic Snake River on a family-friendly scenic float trip that showcases the breathtaking Teton Range and abundant wildlife. With calm waters perfect for young adventurers and knowledgeable guides who make the journey educational and engaging, this is an unforgettable way to experience Jackson Hole's natural beauty without the intensity of whitewater rafting.
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Oxbow Bend
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Oxbow Bend offers one of the most accessible and rewarding wildlife viewing experiences in Grand Teton National Park, perfect for families with kids of all ages. The easy boardwalks mean even strollers can navigate this stunning overlook where the Snake River bends to create a mirror reflection of Mount Moran, and kids can spot moose, beavers, eagles, and trumpeter swans without strenuous hiking.
Cafe
Maggie's Cafe & Bakery
$
Maggie's Cafe & Bakery is a beloved Jackson Hole gem that offers families a warm respite from mountain adventures with fresh-baked pastries, kid-friendly meals, and rich hot chocolate that's perfect after a day of skiing or exploring. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to relax with little ones, and the quick service means you won't be waiting long when hungry kids need fuel fast.
Entertainment
Cache Creek Drive
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Experience the magic of classic Americana at Cache Creek Drive-In, where families can watch movies under the Wyoming stars from the comfort of their car or on blankets. Kids will love the on-site playground to burn energy before showtime, while parents appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere and family-friendly film selections that make for unforgettable summer evenings in Jackson.