While driving in Grand Teton National Park, make plans to include the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive into your itinerary. It gives one a stunning and unlimited view of The Teton mountain range as you make your way southward through groves of lodgepole pine trees and an occasional meadow. There's also is a bike path on this one way road. When you come to Jenny Lake, make sure that you stop at this turnout. Park your vehicle and take the short walk (there is a concrete walkway with a few steps) to spectacular grandeur as you get an up close and personal look at some of the most magnificient snow capped mountains. If the water is calm, their reflections will be caught in the beautiful Jenny Lake.
As you descend down the short concrete walkway to the right, you could easily find yourself scampering down to the waters edge, in search of the "perfect big rock" to rest upon. There you can sit and soak up the gorgeous scenery or take a few photographs to remember your time spent there. When leaving the parking area, you will go down 3 or 4 steps. If you turn to the left, there is a concrete walk that goes into a dirt trail which leads out into a wooded area. There are also some spectacular places amongst the evergreen trees on this path for a few special photos.
The Jenny Lake Visitors Center is located just a short distance away and while there you can view a geology exhibit or pick up supplies at the grocery store. Also at Jenny Lake V/C are restrooms and one of the park's ranger stations. There is a campground for tents only at this location.
There are many activities available at the Jenny Lake area. You can take a boat ride across the lake for around $7. Teton Boating (307-733-2703) shuttles you across the lake with trips leaving approximately every 20 minutes, mid June to mid September. Check for actual times and dates of operating when you plan your visit.
You also can do a short hike on Cascade Canyon Trail. It is a 1/2 mile walk to Hidden Falls, and another 1/2 mile will get you to Inspiration Point, which overlooks Jenny Lake. The trail leading to Inspiration Point is somewhat steep and lined with rock slabs and boulders. Of course, there are more lengthy & strenuous hikes available from Jenny Lake. Some of these hikes/trails last for several hours to a couple of days and will take you out in the back country for some drop dead gorgeous scenery!!
Jenny Lake is one of the most crowded areas in The Grand Tetons. Don't let the crowds (and filled parking area) deter you from stopping though, as this is one sight you don't want to miss! We visited the first week of June and found the crowds to be very minimal and the weather couldn't have been more perfect!