Grand Teton National Park - Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks - page 362

JENNY LAKE SCENIC DRIVE
Seven miles south of Signal Mountain, the Jenny Lake Scenic Dr branches west to offer
the park's most picturesque drive.
The Cathedral Group turnout boasts views of the central Teton spires, known as the
Cathedral Group. Interpretive boards illustrate the tectonic slippage visible at the foot of
Rockchuck Peak, named for its resident yellow-bellied marmots. String Lake is the most
popular picnic spot, with dramatic views of the north face of Teewinot Mountain and
Grand Teton from sandy beaches along its east side. The road becomes one way beyond
String Lake, just before exclusive Jenny Lake Lodge.
Perched on the lake's glacial moraine, Jenny Lake Overlook offers good views of the
Tetons, tall Ribbon Cascade to the right of Cascade Canyon, and shuttle boats headed for
Inspiration Point. Be careful not to miss the turnout, as you can't back up on this one-way
road.
JENNY LAKE
The scenic heart of the Grand Tetons and the epicenter of Teton's crowds, Jenny Lake was
named for the Shoshone wife of early guide and mountain man Beaver Dick Leigh. Jenny
died of smallpox in 1876 along with her children.
The Jenny Lake Visitor Center Offline map is worth a visit for its geological displays
and 3D map of Jackson Hole. The cabin was once in a different location as the Crandall
photo studio.
From the visitor center a network of trails leads clockwise around the lake for 2.5 miles
to Hidden Falls and then continues for a short uphill run to fine views at Inspiration
Point . Once you're here, it's worth continuing up Cascade Canyon for as long as you
can, as you've already finished most of the hard climb. From here you can return via the
way you came or continue clockwise to the String Lake Trailhead to make a 6-mile circle
around the lake. If you're on the Jenny Lake Trail in the early morning or late afternoon,
detour approximately 15 minutes (about 0.5 miles) from the visitor center to Moose
Ponds for a good chance of spotting moose.
Alternatively, Jenny Lake Boating ( 307-734-9227; www.jennylakeboating.com )
runs shuttles (adult/7-12yr round-trip $9/5, one way $5/4; 8am-6pm Jun-late Sep)
across Jenny Lake between the east-shore boat dock near Jenny Lake Visitor Center and
the west shore boat dock near Hidden Falls, offering quick (12-minute) access to Inspira-
tion Point and the Cascade Canyon Trail. Shuttles run every 15 minutes, but expect long
waits for return shuttles between 4pm and 6pm.