05-16-2026 Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake and Hike

- May 27, 2026

Relief of the Tetons showing the names of the mountains.

Today we took the shuttle boat to the other side of Jenny Lake. It was cold going across the lake. It was like going across Lake McClure in our ski boat in the winter. We dressed for it, so it was not too bad. Surprisingly, the boat was full.

It was a half-mile hike to Hidden Falls, then another to Inspiration Falls. Hidden Falls was beautiful, and the rushing sound it made as it wound down from the Tetons was extraordinary. Standing on the bridge that crossed the falls, you could feel the spray. What a crazy, impressive site.

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls Bridge

Onto Inspiration Falls. The climb was very manageable thanks to my trainer, Shay. She has really helped me prepare. The trail ends at the base of the falls, and what a pretty sight. We sat there for a bit, enjoying the sound of the water crashing to the bottom. We took selfies and lots of pics.

Inspiration Falls

Inspiration Falls Elevation

We followed the trail back down to the Hidden Falls, but instead of turning left to return to the boat, we continued right to the Jenny Lake Trailhead. This took us around the south end of the lake back to the visitor center. It was about a 3.5-mile hike, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

At one point, a Marmot crossed in front of me. Talk about fast. I did not even see where he went. The couple behind me saw him come out of a hole and flatten himself against one of the rocks to sunbathe in the little patch of sun on the rocks. He was enjoying the sun. By the time I walked a few steps back to take a look, he was already up and moving, so I did not get any photos.

Further up the trail, Barry had one cross in front of him, too. But again, too fast to get any photos. I think they are so cute and have a beautiful face. They seem to have a lot of character and move fast for being so pudgy.

The hike back was fun, and we enjoyed walking along the lake. At one point, we stopped at a ledge overlooking Moose Pond. A moose was spotted there earlier this morning, but by the time we got there, he was gone.

A few things we noticed:

o Most young adults were not using their phones

o If they were taking pictures, they used a small digital camera

o Lots of families were sharing their experiences with each other verbally, without using their phones.

o There were quite a few young parents with their young ones in a backpack

o The majority of kids along the trail were talkative but not loud or using their phones

Once we were back in our car, we decided to drive up the road to Signal Hill and eat lunch. What an amazing view as we ate. The “hill” is 7600 feet, so quite a climb in the jeep, but well worth it. On the way, we spotted an elk eating by the entrance to a campground. He still had the velvet on his antlers. We stopped and took pictures, and he ended up lying down. It was a treat to see him do this. Once back on the main road, I spotted a coyote with a GPS collar through the trees. I was shocked, I actually saw him/her.

We headed back to the RV and, on the way, stopped again in the same area to view the Bison and at Cunningham's cabin, the oldest structure in GTNP. So much history here. This has been an awesome park to experience.

Once in town, we stopped at REI to purchase hydration packs for our Osprey Daypacks instead of carrying heavy water bottles.

Once back at Julie’s, we cleaned up and got organized for our trip to Yellowstone tomorrow. Barry made me a hot chocolate and Baileys. Nice way to end our stay at GTNP.