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.
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 a half-mile 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.
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
