Why Picnic at Jenny Lake?
What do you do when you have an afternoon near Jackson Hole? You visit Grand Teton National Park and enjoy a picnic at Jenny Lake.
Seeing the Tetons had been on my bucket list for many years. Since the Grand Teton NP was near our route to Mount Rushmore (about that trip HERE), we took a detour, along with family, for an afternoon of relaxation.
Why choose Jenny Lake when the park is so big? Besides being one of the most easily accessible areas, the lake sits at the base of the mountains. It is also a park main feature.
But first, we stopped in Jackson and picked up a lunch then headed out for picnic at the foot of the mountains.
Location:
Grand Teton National Park
Moose, Wyoming, 83012
Park Ranger:
(307) 739-3399
Fee: $35 per car
Hours: 24/7, year round
Website:
Grand Teton NPS
Our first view of the Grand Teton Mountains was stunning. I snapped this pic while riding down the highway just before turning onto Teton Park Road.
Our Drive, Park, and Walk to Relaxation
The drive is a short 13, but very scenic, miles from Jackson to the Jenny Lake Visitor’s Center. How long it takes to get there depends on the season, time of day, and traffic. The road is only a 2-lane highway.
Parking was easy since we were there mid-week in mid-September. Loading the stroller with lunch (and carrying the kiddos), we followed the path until we found the perfect spot right by the lake.
The trail around Jenny Lake's south side is both wide and paved. It is perfect for strollers, pregnant mommas, and the elderly. Our group ranged from toddlers to well….I’m not going to reveal that (haha)!
We found this sweet spot for our picnic. It was right by the water and close to the walking path.
Lunch and a Little Water Time
Except for being with family, our lunch was nice but unremarkable compared to the view! Plus, the pristine mountain water was calling us the entire time we ate.
So, how was the lake water in mid-September? It was clear, cood, and very refreshing. Watching the two toddlers splash in the water was fun but their expressions were priceless.
Shuttle boat crossed the lake every few minutes while we played at the water’s edge.
Toddlers explored at the water's edge while the parents "relaxed”—if that's possible with kids near water! FYI, if you can't hear the sound, it's not your hearing. I turned off the sound on the video.
This path leads to Jenny Lake. The many paved pathways are all bordered with natural flora. Scenery was so beautiful that we took our time walking through.
Walking Trails Near Jenny Lake
Even though hazy skies surrounded the mountains (due to wildfires in the West), the scenery was still breathtaking.
We took our time walking back to the car, enjoying the Discovery Trail all along the way. This trail has interpretive panels telling visitors about the area history, landscape, and wildlife. It was a most relaxing and pleasant walk.
Since our visit was short, we didn’t have time for the Shuttle Boat ride across the Lake. Good reason for a return trip!
Directional signs are easy to see but do not take away from the natural scenery.
This wide, paved path is part of the Discovery Trail around the lake. Fall color was just beginning to show when we were there.
Such a Teaser Visit!
Some of our family lives a few hours away and visit the Grand Teton NP occasionally. I think they teased us with a visit, hoping to entice us to move west so we could visit such great parks more often. By the way, Yellowstone NP is just over 40 miles up the road.
Because the Park is so huge, there is no way to see it all at once, unless you plan to hang out for a few days. Then you can take in the hikes, boating, fishing and many other activities offered in jaw-dropping scenery.
You can make your trip long or short but either way, a picnic at Jenny Lake is worth the detour.
Looking toward the lake’s south end you’ll see the shuttle boat launch area.
About Jenny Lake
Formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, the lake is split into two zones—north and south. The north side of the lake is quieter with fewer crowds. Here you’ll find a picnic area, boat launch, and trailheads.
With more amenities and closer to parking, the south side is also busier. Amenities include a ranger station, visitor’s center, campground and the Jenny Lake shuttle boat. Paved walking paths link the two areas.
Area: 1.861 square miles Length: 2.175 miles
About Grand Teton National Park
Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, the park has 310,000 acres covering 485 square miles. While most famous for the spectacular mountain scenery, visitors have many activity options. Some of these include hiking, camping, fishing, boating, biking, and mountaineering.
GTNP does have a per car entrance fee, which is good for 7 days. A national parks pass is also available.
Their mobile app has up-to-date information about the Park. It will notify you when you near a saved location. Content is best downloaded ahead of time as Internet and cell service are spotty inside the Park. Downloaded content will work without a connection.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
