The Hidden Falls Trail via Jenny Lake is a popular and scenic hike in Grand Teton National Park that is relatively easy with stunning views.
Hidden Falls Trail via Jenny Lake Basics
1 Hour
1 Mile Roundtrip
Out-and-Back
300 Feet
Duration: 1 Hour
Plan about one hour for your hike from the West Shore Boat Dock up to the Hidden Falls viewing area. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk the trail and you’ll want time at the waterfall.
Distance: 1 Mile Roundtrip
From the boat dock, you’ll walk one mile round trip to get to the waterfall and back to the Jenny Lake Boat Dock.
Type: Out-and-Back Trail
Whether you walk the entire Jenny Lake Loop or come to Hidden Falls from the Jenny Lake shuttle boat, the trail is an out-and-back hike. You walk up to the viewing area for the beautiful waterfall then back down to the boat dock or intersection with other trails.
Elevation Change: 300 Feet
Along the walk from the boat dock to the waterfall, you’ll experience an elevation gain of about 300 feet. Most of this is on stone steps placed on the trail.
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
The best time to go to Grand Teton National Park is late spring-early summer in May and June or in the early fall months of September and October. You don’t have the heat or crowds that summer break brings, but you aren’t snowed in, either.
Time of Day: Varies
To take the privately-run shuttle boat from Jenny Lake Boating, make sure to check their hours. They close in the fall and winter months so take this into consideration when you are planning the time of year to go to Grand Teton. In the spring, they typically are open from 10-4 and in the summer they are open from 7-7.
Amount of Shade: Mostly Shaded
Most of the trail from the boat ramp to the waterfall is surrounded by a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees which offer plenty of shade.
Difficulty: Moderate
The hike to Hidden Falls from the west shores of Jenny Lake is a moderate trail. I consider it a step up from an easy hike due to the elevation gain over a short distance with uneven surfaces and the natural obstacles such as tree roots and loose rocks on the path.
What Makes Hidden Falls a Great Hike?
Even though this is the most popular trail in the park, it’s still one of my favorites. The trail takes you from the beautiful Jenny Lake up to the mouth of Cascade Canyon at Hidden Falls. This is a 100-foot waterfall cascading down the cliffs into Cascade Creek. If you can get on an early ferry ride before the parking fills up and the popular area becomes crowded, you have a chance at wildlife viewing and having the most popular destinations in the park to yourself.
At the viewing area, there are natural stone steps that create amphitheater-like seating. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch if you bring one with you.
Scenery on the Hidden Falls Trail
Start of the Trail
When you start the trail, you will be walking up from the boat dock to access trails in the area. You will have a great view of the west side of Jenny Lake from here. The trail quickly gains elevation and takes you into the forest on the dirt path.
Hidden Falls
A view of Jenny Lake from the Hidden Falls Trail
On the Trail
While walking along the main trail, make sure to stop and look backwards. You are walking through a forest of pine, spruce, and fir trees, but at certain elevations, when the trees clear, you can look down on the spectacular views of Jenny Lake and the entire Jackson Hole Valley.
End of the Trail
The trail ends at the viewing area for Hidden Falls. It is typically crowded, so bring your patience while waiting your turn to get a view of the rushing water. There is amphitheater-like natural seating at the end of the trail, which is a great way to sit back and enjoy the beautiful Hidden Falls.
Notable Places on the Hike
There are multiple trails that connect with the trail to Hidden Falls. No matter which way you go, you will have to cross Cascade Creek.
Ryan looking at Cascade Creek through his binoculars
Cascade Creek
Hidden Falls Trailhead Information
Park Name: Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in the northwestern part of Wyoming. The closest airport is Jackson Hole (JAC), which is also the name of the closest town to the park. We flew into Jackson Hole but stayed just over the mountain in Driggs, Idaho on our first trip to the park and in Victor, Idaho on our second trip to the park.
Finding the Trailhead
Once you land at the boat dock, the captain will help direct visitors to the correct trailhead for Hidden Falls since it's one of the most popular hikes in the park. There are multiple trails from the boat dock that all intersect and can eventually get you to Hidden Falls.
Markers Along the Trail
There are a few trail markers along the path to point you to the many trails in the area.
Nearest Restrooms
There are no restroom facilities on the west side of Jenny Lake where the shuttle boat ride drops off and picks up. Make sure to use the restroom at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center before boarding your shuttle boat.
Parking Area
We went up to the boat house on the East Dock near the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and were able to purchase tickets for the Jenny Lake boat ride that was leaving in 15 minutes. We were there in the summer, which is usually peak season, but it was also the summer of 2021 so there were still a lot of people opting out of things like the boat due to Covid.
The boat ride starts at the Jenny Lake Boating Dock which is on the east shore of the lake. It is near the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, which is easily accessible from the park’s main road, Teton Park Road. There is parking available at the visitor center, but it can fill quickly during peak season so it helps to get an early start to find a parking spot.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
- Jenny Lake Loop Trail
- North Cascade Creek Trail
- South Cascade Creek Trail
- Horse Trail Spur
- Inspiration Point Trail
- Boat Dock Trail
- Cascade Canyon Trail
Tips for Hidden Falls Trail
- There is a cost associated with taking the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle. An adult (ages 12-61) roundtrip ticket is $20 and a child (ages 2-11) roundtrip ticket is $12. They have a discount for seniors (ages 62-80) at $17 per roundtrip ticket and it is free for those under 2 or over 80. Make sure to confirm ticket prices on their website or at the ticket counter.
- If you are skipping the shuttle and walking the entire scenic hike, you'll park in the Jenny Lake Visitor Center parking lot and look for the Jenny Lake Trailhead. Then walk to the Jenny Lake Loop Trail and set out from there.
- Consider adding on a stop at Inspiration Point if you have time. You'll see the Inspiration Point Trailhead spurs off to the right just before reaching the Hidden Falls Overlook.
Accessibility Information for Hidden Falls Trail
Dirt with Rock Steps
Paved
Trail Type: Dirt with Rock Steps
Most of this trail is a dirt path with many rock steps. You also need to watch out for natural obstacles such as raised tree roots and loose rocks. This is not a wheelchair or stroller friendly hike.
Parking: Paved
The paved parking area is located at the Jenny Lake Boat Dock near the south end of Jenny Lake. It is a paved lot with multiple handicap-accessible parking spots available.