Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake which includes mountains and a lake or waterhole
Jenny Lake which includes mountains, hiking or walking and tranquil scenes
Jenny Lake featuring rapids and a river or creek
Jenny Lake showing forest scenes, 4-wheel driving and tranquil scenes
Jenny Lake featuring rapids and a river or creek

Discover one of the most popular areas of Grand Teton National Park via boat tours, scenic lookouts and walking trails. 

Marvel at the serene natural beauty of the snow-capped mountain peaks that rise from a shoreline of forested valleys when you visit Jenny Lake. Embark on family-friendly adventures on foot and by boat to get close to the remarkable landscapes of the Teton Range. Jenny Lake is a 12,000-year-old glacial lake set at the base of Cascade Canyon. It’s one of only two lakes in Grand Teton National Park where motorized boating is allowed.

The southern section of the lake is the more developed. Browse exhibits on the ecology, geology and wildlife of the national park at Jenny Lake Visitor Centre. Pick up park maps and find out about ranger-led tours. Purchase backcountry permits and check the status of trails at Jenny Lake Ranger Station.

Join a 1-hour scenic boat tour of the lake and hear stories about the local plants, animals and landscapes. Gaze in awe at the Cathedral Group, a mountain range that includes the soaring peaks of Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot. Rent a canoe or kayak and set your own leisurely pace.

From the Jenny Lake Trailhead, the Jenny Lake Trail skirts the lake’s southern banks and leads to the base of Cascade Canyon. Follow Cascade Canyon Trail through thick woodland to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point lookout. Adventurous visitors might want to continue to the Forks of Cascade Canyon trails. Alternatively, reach the canyon by catching a shuttle boat.

North of Jenny Lake Trailhead, the waterfront pathway has access to several viewpoints. This route can also be traveled by bike or car. Whichever route you choose, watch for black and grizzly bears, deer, marmots and moose.

The lake is a 30-minute drive north of Jackson and 40 minutes from Teton Village. Be aware of pedestrians when driving on the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive. Use the free parking at the visitor centre. Jenny Lake Campground is a great place to pitch a tent after a day of exploring. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Jenny Lake is accessible year round, although closed to car traffic from November through April. Boat tours and rentals operate from May through September.

Plan a trip to see Jenny Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Mountain Vista Hotel

Mountain Vista Hotel

2 out of 5
per person
23 Sept - 29 Sept
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
London (LON) to Jackson Hole (JAC)
8.8/10 Excellent! (639 reviews)
Nice hotel to access Yellowstone National park.

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

The Hibernation Station

The Hibernation Station

3 out of 5
per person
23 Sept - 29 Sept
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
London (LON) to Jackson Hole (JAC)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
No basic stuff toothpaste, moisturizer and soap

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Explorer Cabins At Yellowstone

Explorer Cabins At Yellowstone

3.5 out of 5
per person
23 Oct - 30 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Manchester (MAN) to Jackson Hole (JAC)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (962 reviews)
The cabin was central to everything and was quiet. Loved the quaint atmosphere along with the firepit and smores.

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Popular places to visit

Jenny Lake Visitor Center showing modern architecture as well as a small group of people

Jenny Lake Visitor Center

Get information from knowledgeable rangers about hiking before setting out in one of the most popular sections of Grand Teton National Park.

Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Grand Teton National Park showing a lake or waterhole, mountains and landscape views

String Lake

Reach this lake with one of the easiest hikes in Grand Teton National Park and enjoy some of the park’s most impressive views.

String Lake
Grand Teton National Park which includes mountains and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people

Cathedral Group Turnout

Look up at the mountain peaks of the Teton Range. Notice the evidence of glacial erosion and earthquake thrusts at lower elevation.

Cathedral Group Turnout
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

5/5(23 reviews)

Travel next to this long mountain range to see wildlife, observe beautiful scenery and take photos. Explore its peaks, lakes and waterfalls in any season.

Grand Teton National Park
Teton Glacier Turnout

Teton Glacier Turnout

If you want to see a glacier in the United States, this is one of the easiest viewpoints to reach via a leisurely drive through Grand Teton National Park.

Teton Glacier Turnout
Cascade Canyon featuring mountains and snow

Cascade Canyon

Enjoy boating on a lake, hiking to waterfalls, viewing rugged mountains and spotting wildlife within Grand Teton National Park.

Cascade Canyon

Top Hotel Deals

Jenny Lake Lodge

Jenny Lake Lodge

4 out of 5
N Jenny Lake Jct, Moose, WY
Jenny Lake Lodge
Jackson Lake Lodge

Jackson Lake Lodge

3.5 out of 5
101 Jackson Lake Lodge Road, Moran, WY
Jackson Lake Lodge
Alpenhof

Alpenhof

3 out of 5
3255 W. Village Dr., Teton Village, WY
Alpenhof
Grand Targhee Resort

Grand Targhee Resort

2.5 out of 5
3300 Ski Hill Road, Alta, WY
Grand Targhee Resort
Colter Bay Village

Colter Bay Village

2.5 out of 5
11 Miles North Of Moran Jct, Highway 89, Moran, WY
Colter Bay Village
Snake River Lodge - Amenities at Sister Property

Snake River Lodge - Amenities at Sister Property

4 out of 5
7710 Granite Loop Rd, Teton Village, WY
Snake River Lodge - Amenities at Sister Property
Gravity Haus Jackson Hole

Gravity Haus Jackson Hole

3 out of 5
3345 West Village Drive, Teton Village, WY
Gravity Haus Jackson Hole
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

5 out of 5
7680 Granite Loop, Teton Village, WY
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa

Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa

4.5 out of 5
3385 Cody Lane Drive, P.O. Box 564, Teton Village, WY
Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa
See all 1,942 properties in Jenny Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake offers a plethora of activities for visitors, including scenic hiking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. Adventurous hikers can explore quality trails while enjoying wildlife sightings along the way. The picturesque picnic areas provide an excellent spot to relax amidst nature, and guided nature tours are available for those seeking to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Shopping

In Jenny Lake, visit the Colter Bay Campground store for gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson for a unique shopping experience, or explore Westbank Angler, also nearby, for outdoor gear and fishing supplies.

Recreation

Teton Reserve Golf Course, located 13.0km from Jenny Lake, offers a stunning outdoor setting for golf enthusiasts. For relaxation, visit Climbers Ranch, a tranquil recreational area just 2.5km away, perfect for unwinding amidst nature. Alternatively, Targhee Village Golf Course, 9.3km from Jenny Lake, provides a vibrant sporting atmosphere.

Adventure

At Grand Targhee Resort, 6.8km from Jenny Lake, experience exhilarating skiing amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. For hiking enthusiasts, the Jenny Lake Trailhead, only 497m away, offers stunning views and an adventurous atmosphere. Alternatively, the Dreamcatcher Ski Lift, also 6.8km away, provides thrilling rides over pristine landscapes.

Nightlife

In Jenny Lake, the nearby Jackson Hole Playhouse offers a delightful theatre experience with a mix of entertainment and romance, just 12.4km away. Similarly, the Pink Garter Theater, also 12.4km distant, provides a vibrant cultural atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike.

Find the best attractions near Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake, nestled in the stunning Grand Teton National Park, offers a myriad of outdoor adventures, from scenic hikes to breathtaking mountain lookouts. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of the lake itself while exploring nearby attractions such as the Teton Range and various trails. Whether seeking adventure or simply a picturesque landscape, Jenny Lake promises an unforgettable experience for all nature enthusiasts.

  • Grand Teton National Park: This stunning national park, located 1.9km from Jenny Lake, offers breathtaking landscapes and a myriad of outdoor adventures. Hike through pristine wilderness, spot wildlife, and take in the magnificent views of the Teton Range, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
  • Jenny Lake Visitor Center: Situated 621m from Jenny Lake, this visitor centre is the perfect starting point for your adventure. With informative exhibits and friendly staff, it caters to families and outdoor lovers alike, providing essential tips for exploring the surrounding beauty.
  • Teton Range: Just 3.7km away, the Teton Range is a majestic mountain range that beckons adventurers. Its towering peaks and scenic trails offer unparalleled opportunities for hiking, climbing, and photography, showcasing the rugged beauty of the region.

Best time to go to Jenny Lake

The best time to visit Jenny Lake can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Jenny Lake falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Jenny Lake falls in December, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January14.5°F (-9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageHigh
February17.1°F (-8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageHigh
March25.0°F (-3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April31.8°F (-0.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageLow
June52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
July62.8°F (17.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighLow
August60.8°F (16.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighLow
September52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
October36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November22.5°F (-5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
December13.8°F (-10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowHigh

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Jenny Lake

To save money on your trip to Jenny Lake, consider visiting in April or October to November, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday for the best rates, and check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Utilise Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly options, and remember that free activities like hiking and exploring the stunning natural scenery can enhance your visit without costing a penny.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Jenny Lake are April and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Jenny Lake about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Jenny Lake is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Jenny Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you desire. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Jenny Lake hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.