Hiking the Hidden Falls Trail via Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park
Distance: 4.9 miles / 7.9 km
The Hidden Falls Trail in Grand Teton National Park is one of the most popular day hikes within Grand Teton, and it’s one of the best kid-friendly trails across the entire park!
I say this because the trail is mostly flat, with only a few minor hills on the mountain side of Jenny Lake. Additionally, there is the option to take the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle one or both ways, essentially cutting the distance in 'half' with each trip.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Jenny Lake Trailhead Parking
While the trail to Hidden Falls could begin from a number of different directions, the most popular trailhead is by far the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, which is the direction that this post is written.
That being said, be sure to arrive early, regardless of which trailhead you choose to begin.
I say this because the parking lot at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, along with other trailheads, will fill up completely between 9-10 a.m. during the busy summer season, which can require visitors to park up to 0.5 miles (0.8 km) away from the trailhead.
Google Maps Directions: Hidden Falls Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Yellowstone-Tetons
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the Yellowstone-Teton area.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Hidden Falls Trail
From the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, the Hidden Falls Trail begins at the Jenny Lake Trailhead, located just past visitor center and the bathrooms.
Jenny Lake Loop
Once at the Jenny Lake Loop, turn left to continue toward the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle, which is the fastest route to Hidden Falls.
Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle
Then, turn right to walk past the Jenny Lake Boat Dock.
While you could cut out most of the hike around Jenny Lake by taking the shuttle, I recommend hiking around Jenny Lake at least one way, as the Jenny Lake Loop Trail along the shoreline is the best way to truly enjoy the beautiful alpine-blue water and potentially see wildlife!
In my experience, bears can and will be found on any trail in Grand Teton National Park.
However, they tend to be less common on busy trails, like the Hidden Falls/ Inspiration Point side of Jenny Lake.
Valley Trail (Lower Moose Ponds) Junction
The next junction on the Jenny Lake Loop is the Valley Trail, which is also a part of the Moose Ponds Loop Trail that uses a short part of the Jenny Lake Trail to complete the loop around the ponds.
That being said, the Moose Ponds Loop Trail is one of the best trails in Grand Teton to see wildlife in the park. Therefore, to learn more about how to better your chances, I highly recommend checking out my separate article.
Read My Separate Post: Moose Ponds Loop Trail
Upper Moose Ponds Loop Junction
Shortly after the Valley Trail connection, the Jenny Lake Loop Trail will pass by the upper Moose Ponds Loop junction.
Again, I highly recommend treating the Moose Ponds Loop as an entirely separate hike, especially if you want the unique opportunity to see wildlife within the park.
Read My Separate Post: Moose Ponds Loop Trail
Jenny Lake Horse Trail Junction
At a few points around the Jenny Lake, the trail splits into both a foot traffic and horse trail.
In this case, go right to stay on the foot traffic trail around Jenny Lake.
Once on the back side of Jenny Lake, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the deepest, clearest, and bluest water along the shoreline.
This can be a great place to fish if you have a valid Wyoming fishing license or go for a swim in the cold, alpine waters of Jenny Lake.
Hidden Falls-Jenny Lake Loop Junction
At the Hidden Falls-Inspiration Point junction, go left to continue up the trail toward Hidden Falls.
The trail to the right continues toward the West Jenny Lake Boat Dock, the Lake of the Crags Trail, and the full Jenny Lake Loop Trail.
West Boat Dock Junction
The first turn that you will come across is a short connection with the West Jenny Lake Boat Dock, where the shuttle would have dropped you off if you had taken it across the lake.
Hidden Falls-Inspiration Point Junction
At the next split past the horse trail connection, go left for Hidden Falls.
The trail to the right is the path to Inspiration Point, which you can read more about in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Inspiration Point
Hidden Falls
Shortly after the Inspiration Point junction, the trail arrives at the beautiful 100-ft. (30.5 m) cascade that is Hidden Falls.
While some groups choose to go back and continue further up to Inspiration Point, I recommend checking out the rest of the trail in my separate article to the see what the switchbacks look like if you are planning to hike with young kids.
I say this because the steep drops off the side of the trail to Inspiration Point may not be best for all parties.
Read My Separate Post: Inspiration Point Trail
My Print - Hidden Falls
How Bad are the Mosquitoes?
If this is your first trip to Wyoming, you’re likely unfamiliar with how bad the mosquitoes will be. Locals don’t joke when they call the mosquito the Wyoming state bird, which is why I recommend grabbing this cheap bug net before going. You never know where and when you may want it because even midday in the most unsuspecting places, the mosquitoes can be out in clouds!
More Grand Teton Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Grand Teton National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
From personal experience, I’ve seen that the Yellowstone-Teton area has one of the highest Grizzly Bear densities in the country. Even on the popular trails, you need to be hiking with bear spray and know how to react in the event of a Black or Grizzly Bear encounter.
Aside from wildlife, Wyoming, like any Mountain West state, is known for its violent afternoon thunderstorms, which are more typical in the warmer summer months than other times of the year.
That said, it’s important to check the local forecast before setting off on any adventure, as lightning strikes are not uncommon in and near mountain ranges across the West. I have personally been knocked to the ground by a strike that hit near me in the past, and I confidently say that it’s an experience you don’t want to live through. This is why I highly recommend checking Mountain Forecast for any high-elevation adventures you may be interested in—especially when climbing a summit.
Finally, know that when micro-spikes are necessary for an early-season adventure, micro-spikes are never supposed to be a substitute for conditions that require crampons.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park websites.
National Park Service: Grand Teton National Park / Yellowstone National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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