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Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons |
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Jenny Lake is the perfect hike for a family with children from about 6 to
16. We started with a boat ride across the lake, although you can
hike around it if you prefer. I'm told that people often see
moose on that hike, but we thought it would be too long for the boys,
and they enjoyed the boat ride anyway. Once on the other shore, we
started up the fairly steep and rocky, but gorgeous trail. Beautiful
trees overhang the pathways and you get a great view of the lake as you
climb. About a half a mile up you discover Hidden Falls, although you
hear it and see the stream that runs from it far earlier. Curiousity
will keep your kids going as they wonder, "Are the falls around this
bend?" It isn't far and you are rewarded with a great view of an 80 ft. waterfall. Rest on the primitive benches and take
in the falls. Then, it's onward, up to Inspiration Point, which is
another mile up the mountain.
Inspiration Point is a magnificent lookout, but to get there you must
scale the side of the mountain, where the trail is only 3 feet wide
(with two-way traffic) and the drop-off is really frightening. I spent
a lot of time telling my boys to "hug the mountain", which they thought
was funny. It wasn't. It was nerve wracking for about 100 feet until
they reached the top, but it was worth it. At the lookout we stopped
to have a snack. As in every national park, we were told not to feed
the wildlife, but there were several chipmunks that were very bold
about begging for crumbs. After sitting nearby for a few minutes and
watching, one particularly fiesty little guy crawled right up on
Mason's lap and insisted that he share! Mason, of course, loved the attention.
Both of the boys remarked on the way down the trail that this was their
favorite hike so far. Dan and I agreed. If you plan to hike in the Tetons,
hike Jenny Lake first. (Pictures in the gallery)
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We're excited to be able to partner