GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — This summer it will be increasingly obvious to Jenny Lake visitors that Inspiring Journeys—the multi-million dollar renewal effort at Jenny Lake for the National Park Service centennial in 2016—is well underway. Summer 2016 marks the third of four construction seasons. While most of the construction during the last two seasons involved backcountry trail work, this summer construction work begins in the front country around the visitor center, general store, restrooms and boat dock. Construction will impact visitors in significant ways with severely limited parking, a temporary visitor center, trail re-routes and closures, and obvious construction.
Check at a visitor center for up-to-date information. There will be no access to Hidden Falls during the summer of 2016 while crews reconstruct the Hidden Falls viewing area and access trail.
Parking at South Jenny Lake will be extremely limited during the 2016 and 2017 summer seasons. Plan on arriving early, before 10 am, or plan to visit late in the day, after 4 pm to have the best chance of finding a parking space.
During the 2016-2017 construction seasons, there will be no bus parking at South Jenny Lake and very limited RV parking. Buses may drop-off and pick-up passengers. Parking spaces for RVs and trailers will be extremely limited. RVs and trailers may park on the South Jenny Lake access road or the Teton Park Road. Parking in the pullouts on the Teton Park Road is encouraged. Vehicles parked along roads should be parked so that they are completely off the travel lane (to the right of the white fog line) while minimizing disturbance to roadside vegetation.
Plan Ahead
Whether hiking around the lake or taking the shuttle boat across, you will be able to visit Inspiration Point or hike into Cascade Canyon this summer. There will be no access to Hidden Falls during the summer of 2016. Expect temporary trail closures and reroutes. Check at a visitor center for up-to-date information.
Come Early or Come Late
Late morning through early afternoon is crowded. Parking will be extremely limited during this time. Avoid peak visitation for minimal hikers and easier parking.
Fewer People, Dramatic Scenery
Explore other lakeshore hikes in the park. Rangers will happily recommend favorites and help you plan an unforgettable day.
What is Inspiring Journeys?
A $17 million collaboration between Grand Teton National Park and its fundraising partner, Grand Teton National Park Foundation. The project is greatly improving trail conditions in the backcountry and adding overlooks, restrooms and interpretive information in the front country visitor plaza. The foundation has a goal of raising $14 million for this project. Grand Teton will contribute $3 million to the project.
