Hike to Hidden Falls, WY
Alta, Wyoming
Details
Distance
8 miles
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Eric Bennett
Experience Hidden Falls, Jenny Lake, String Lake, and awesome views of the Tetons!
You will find great views of the Tetons throughout this trek, which takes you past the gorgeous Jenny Lake and String Lake, as well as to Hidden Falls, a massive cascade along a river with many other waterfalls and awesome sights. There is also lots of wildlife in this area, including foxes, marmots, birds, squirrels, and elk. This really is a must-do day hike if you are in the Tetons for a weekend.
You can park at the parking area near the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, but this is NOT the trailhead for this hike. You will need to backtrack a bit to get to the trail – walk along the road until you cross the small stream, then immediately look for a small trail on your left that heads back towards the stream, just about where the marker is on the map shown here.
The path will cross over the stream and then head up towards Jenny Lake. Follow the signs and it will take you around Jenny Lake, up to Hidden Falls, and then over to String Lake.
If you want to do a shorter hike, cut in between Jenny and String Lake and head back around the other side of Jenny Lake.
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Reviews
Beautiful hike around the lake to the falls! Stay alert for any wildlife. When I went there was a mama bear and cub trying to cross the trail and you definitely don’t want to come between that. We also came across a younger moose walking down the trail. We kept our distance until he got off the trail… the other group of girls in front of us were ready to go up and pet it 🤦🏼♀️ and we informed them that it will charge you so it’s better to leave some space and wait it out
5.0
If you can, hike it. If you have small children or elderly people with you. Take the ferry ride. I like the ferry just to take some photos of the views.
5.0
Love this trail. I’ve done it a few times and it just never gets old. It’s my happy place.
5.0
If you decide to hike the entire lake (and not cheat by taking the ferry across), the falls are perfect after hiking several miles. They're very impressive and that cool breeze feels great!
5.0
This waterfall is a must-see when visiting the Jenny Lake District. If accessed from the Jenny Lake trail head, it is a relatively easy and short hike and great for families. If hiking with small children, a boat ride across the lake is advised and fun! Keep in mind that the Jenny Lake trail is currently under construction so access to the waterfall may be impaired. Check with the ranger station before planning your visit.
5.0
We went in July and part of the trail was under construction. We could hear the falls, but the viewpoint was blocked off because of the construction, so we continued on to Inspiration Point instead. There were several people on the trail but it never seemed crowded, which was good. We took the boat to the trailhead across Jenny Lake and back, which was nice. But if you miss the boat back you can still walk around Jenny Lake to the parking lot, its about a 2 mile hike back.
3.0
Amazing hidden gem. It's definitely worth going one or twice a year if you're a "local" like me. If from out of town then definitely! I suggest you take the boat, hold on there's a reason I say this, then after Hidden Falls go up to Inspiration Point and then use the time and energy you saved by riding the boat to hike 1-2 miles in to Cascade Canyon just west of Inspiration Point. Cascade Canyon might be better in mid June.
5.0
The Tetons are my favorite mountains. They are so pretty. This hike is great because you get wonderful views of the Tetons the whole way. As a whole the hike is just okay. The waterfall and overlooks are pretty but there are better hikes in the area.
3.0
I think this is well worth seeing. Not many people when we went by. (mid-May). Maybe we just got there at a weird time. Pretty easily accessible though so I can see how it could be touristy. Nonetheless, go check it out if you're thinking about hiking to inspiration point or deep into Cascade Canyon.
4.0
Went in the peak of the summer season when the trails inside the park were pretty well frequented. Because you can take the ferry across Jenny Lake this area specifically become very accessible to families and the multitude of tourists. With that being said, we still got a chance to be in solitude near the waterfall and even had a close encounter with a brown bear while eating lunch in the area. A beautiful place no matter the season!!
4.0
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