Jenny Lake Boat Ride, Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point Hike

Combine a boat ride across Jenny Lake with a rewarding hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point in Grand Teton National Park.

Last updated: May 2024

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$35 for a 7-day pass to Grand Teton National Park; $18 for an adult roundtrip Jenny Lake Boating shuttle
More than 500 Miles from you
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Description

Explore the stunning beauty of Grand Teton National Park with a combined boat ride and hike adventure. Start your journey at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and take a scenic boat ride across Jenny Lake, operated by Jenny Lake Boating. After disembarking, hike 0.6 miles through lush forests to reach Hidden Falls, a majestic 100-foot waterfall. From Hidden Falls, continue your hike for 0.5 miles up to Inspiration Point, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Jenny Lake and Teewinot Mountain. This adventure offers a perfect mix of relaxation and exercise, making it a must-do experience in the park. Don't forget to start early to secure parking and enjoy the serene morning views.

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Itinerary

Arrive early at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center to secure parking.
Purchase your boat shuttle tickets at the dock.
Take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake.
Disembark and follow the trail left through the forest for 0.6 miles to reach Hidden Falls.
Enjoy the view at Hidden Falls and take photos.
Backtrack to the junction and bear left to hike 0.5 miles up to Inspiration Point.
Enjoy the panoramic views from Inspiration Point and have lunch.
Return to the boat dock or hike the 2-mile trail around the eastern edge of Jenny Lake back to the visitor center.

Location

Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

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Packing List

Bear spray and holster
Water bladder (at least 3 liters)
Headlamp
Hiking or trail running shoes
Blister and heel protectors
Waterproof rain shell
High SPF sunscreen
Snacks and energy bars
Lightweight jacket
Hat and sunglasses

4.9 ● Google reviews

Fantastic hike! Highly recommend doing the whole lake loop. Took a few hours but not very difficult at all. With the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point added in we took 5.5 hours...with lots of stops for pictures. Jenny Lake Visitor station is fully closed (October 4), only the vault toilets are open now.

This is one truly spectacular lake, a short drive from Jackson Hole. The water is such a pretty blue when the sun reflects off of the water at the right angle. The hike around the lake is great with lots of vantage points and spectacular sightings of the wildlife that call this place home. There have been bear encounters in the area along with moose and deer, among others, so come prepared. The trail is well maintained and is a 7.1 mile loop with a 1040 ft elevation gain. I loved this hike. As always, leave no trace, leave it better than you found it, and enjoy 😉.

What a wonderful hike! One of my favorites as you get the great views of the lake most of the time. You get options to go up to the falls and the inspiration point and it’s all pretty moderate and not too tough. The lake trail is especially easy since it’s mainly flat. Great hike to see the Tetons up close and the lake!

Photographed an engagement session here in mid October. Even with the smoke, the sunrise over Jenny Lake was breathtaking. Note the visitor center/lodge/ferry close at the end of September. If you’re looking for those amenities, I suggest going during the main season. Otherwise, the shoulder seasons offer peace from the crowds.

Visited in June. We took the option to ride the boat over, hike to inspiration point, the waterfall, and hike back around the lake. The trails were nice. We did encounter a bear foraging for food, and we waited while it crossed the trail from the suggested distance over 20 feet at least. We also saw a moose in the pond along the hike! The trail is not flat on the way back. It varies from rocky, dirt, and some small hills. Pleasant in the morning to early afternoon.

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