Explore the Jenny Lake Area of Teton National Park!
About the Jenny Lake Area
The Jenny Lake Visitor Center will be open from 8 am to 5 pm May 16 to June 1, and 8 am to 7 pm June 2 to September 1 for the summer rush, and then 8 am to 5 pm September 2 to 23. It is located 8 miles north of Moose, WY at South Jenny Lake. It has exhibits about the Teton geology, information and a relief map of the park.
There are many visitor services in this area, including activity schedules, guided walks and talks, maps, bookstore, restrooms, and store. The Jenny Lake Campground is nearby, but is for tent camping only. This is the park’s most popular campground and is generally full before 10 a.m. Sites are in among the evergreens and glacial boulders a short distance from Jenny Lake. Only one vehicle, less than 14 feet long and 8 feet tall, is permitted per site. Trailers and pop-up tops are prohibited.
The Scenic Drive skirts the east shore of Jenny Lake and provides spectacular views of the Teton peaks. Access the scenic drive from North Jenny Lake Junction. Drive west toward the mountains, and turn left (south) onto the one-way scenic drive. The scenic road returns to the Teton Park Road just north of South Jenny Lake.
Things To Do in the Jenny Lake Area of GTNP
This is a great place to start any of the many activities available in Grand Teton National Park. During the summer you can hike, walk, view wildlife, take photographs, backpack, camp, climb, fish, swim, boat, float, canoe and bike. In winter skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.
Cascade Canyon
Cascade Canyon is due west of the lake. If you hike or take the Jenny Lake Boating ferry to the canyon, you can look for (but do not feed) golden-mantled ground squirrels at Inspiration Point. Pikas and yellow-bellied marmots live in the boulder and scree fields at the base of the mountains. Moose and mule deer browse on shrubs growing at the mouth of the canyon. You will hear the numerous songbirds that nest in the canyon, but you will also hear the calls of ravens, hawks and eagles. Animals that have become accustomed to humans, such as ground squirrels, often beg for food but don’t feed them. It may seem like you are doing them a favor, but feeding human food to animals increases dependency on unnatural food sources. Use binoculars, spotting scopes or long lenses for close views and photographs. Whether you are in your vehicle or on foot, you must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife.