Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

This Hike is in Grand Teton National Park.  We made a quick trip up there, leaving Salt Lake on Friday morning, and returning Sunday afternoon.  Friday we went horseback riding at Teton Village, and Saturday we went whitewater rafting and did this Jenny Lake hike.  One reason I wanted to do this, is that this gave me the opportunity to check out the beginning and end of a hike that I plan to do within the next year or two: Take the tram at Teton Village, then backpack along the Teton Crest trail, for about 30 miles, camping two or three nights, and then descend to Jenny Lake and take the ferry across to the Jenny Lake Visitors center.  Anyone want to join me?
     The word that comes to mind for Jenny Lake is PRISTINE!  As beautiful as photos are, they don't come anywhere near doing it justice.  The water is crystal clear, the giant pines are as aromatic as they are beautiful, and you have an incredible view of  the Teton peaks for much of the hike.
     When you get to the Jackson area, stop at the most amazing visitors center I have ever been to. They will give you all kinds of maps and directions for this hike.   From there, you drive about 45 minutes to the Jenny Lake visitors center.  The drive was beautiful, and we saw several moose along the way. You have to pay $25 for a seven day pass into the park, even if you are just spending the day.  From the Jenny Lake visitors center, we took the ferry ($7 one way or $12 round trip) across the lake.  It leaves every 15 minutes, and gives you a beautiful view of the area during the 1.5 mile trip. The hike up to Hidden Falls is just .6 miles, and it really is hidden! We missed the 100 foot detour the first time, and continued another .4 miles up to Inspiration Point, catching Hidden Falls on our way down.  We could have taken the ferry back, but opted to hike around the lake. The views are nothing short of  breathtaking!  The lower trail is closed for revegetation and repair, so we were directed to the upper trail, which was still very easy and probably much more scenic than the lower trail would have been. So taking the ferry one way,  our total hike was 4.75 miles.  If you have time, take the trail a little farther into Cascade Canyon for more beauty!

Jenny Lake from the ferry

The final ascent to Inspiration Point

Incredible Tetons

200 foot Hidden Falls cascade

View of Jenny Lake on return trail.