How to Get to Hidden Falls at Grand Teton National Park

Step 1: Planning Your Visit

Before setting out for Hidden Falls, I’d recommend planning your trip carefully. The park’s popularity means trails and parking areas can become crowded, especially during peak seasons from late spring through early fall. We visited in early September, and the parking lot was packed during the afternoon. It was pretty chaotic while my family and I tried walking around the visitor center area. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Best Time to Visit:
   
   • Summer (June to September) offers the best weather, with the trails clear of snow.
   • Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding crowds.
   • Consider shoulder seasons (May and October) for fewer visitors, but be prepared for cooler weather and potential snow.
2. Park Fees:
   
   • A Grand Teton National Park entrance fee is required. As of 2025, the fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Annual passes are also available (of which I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing).
3. Gear and Essentials:
   
   • Comfortable hiking shoes
   • Water bottle and snacks
   • Sunscreen and insect repellent
   • Map of the park or a GPS device
   • Layered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures

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Step 2: Getting to the Jenny Lake Trailhead

The journey to Hidden Falls begins at Jenny Lake, one of the park’s most beautiful (and most visited areas). Here’s how to get there:

1. Driving Directions:
   
   • From Jackson, Wyoming, drive north on US-191/US-89/US-26 for approximately 12 miles to the park entrance.
   • Follow signs for Jenny Lake, which is about a 20-minute drive from the entrance.
2. Parking:
   
   • Arrive early to secure a parking spot, as the lot fills up quickly during peak hours.
   • Overflow parking is available along the road, but this may add to your walking distance.

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Step 3: Choosing Your Route to Hidden Falls

Once you arrive at Jenny Lake, you have two main options to reach Hidden Falls:

1. Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat:

• The shuttle boat is a convenient and time-saving option, cutting the hiking distance to just 0.5 miles (one-way).
• Tickets can be purchased at the Jenny Lake Boating dock. Round-trip fares are typically around $20 per person.
• The boat operates from late May to late September, depending on weather and water conditions.
• We took the shuttle boat on the way to the start of the hike to the falls. We arrived later in the day, so we got tickets for the last shuttle of the day. This worked to our advantage since the boat and the trails were far less crowded this late in the day. 
• The boat ride was absolutely gorgeous. The views of the turquoise waters with the Tetons standing tall in the background made every second of the ride scenic. I was snapping photos the entire way across the lake. 

2. Hiking Around Jenny Lake

• This route offers a scenic 2.5-mile hike (one-way) along the southern edge of Jenny Lake.
• The trail is well-maintained and provides stunning views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and wildlife.
• This option is perfect if you’re looking for a more rugged time to get to the falls and have a little more time to explore.
• We took this route coming back from the falls later in the afternoon/early evening. This allowed us to see more active wildlife and outstanding sunset views across Jenny Lake. The trails also had little to no traffic which made everything so much more peaceful. 

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Step 4: Hiking to Hidden Falls

The final leg of your journey involves a relatively short and moderate hike from the boat dock or the main trail junction:

1. Trail Overview:
   
   • Distance: 0.5 miles (one-way) from the boat dock or 2.5 miles if hiking around Jenny Lake.
   • Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet.
   • Duration: 20-30 minutes from the boat dock; 1-2 hours if hiking around the lake.
2. Trail Description:
   
   • From the boat dock or trail junction, follow signs to Hidden Falls.
   • The trail winds through a lush forest of pine and aspen, with occasional views of Cascade Canyon and Teewinot Mountain.
   • I loved how we could hear the sound of rushing water the closer we got to the falls.

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Step 5: Enjoying Hidden Falls

Upon reaching Hidden Falls, we were greeted with the incredible sight of the 100-foot cascading waterfall. The area features several vantage points, giving me plenty of chances to get some incredible shots of the falls and relax. Here are some tips for making the most of your visit:

1. Photography:
   
   • Use a tripod to capture long-exposure shots of the waterfall.
   • Visit early in the day or later in the evening for softer lighting and fewer crowds.
2. Wildlife Spotting:
   
   • Keep an eye out for marmots, pikas, birds, and even moose along the trail.
   • Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
3. Picnicking:
   
   • Enjoy a snack or lunch near the falls, but follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash.

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Optional Extension: Inspiration Point

If you’re looking for even more of an adventure, consider extending your hike to Inspiration Point, located just 0.5 miles beyond Hidden Falls. This overlook offers sweeping views of Jenny Lake and the valley below. We wanted to extend our hike to visit here but sadly ran out of time as daylight was running out. It’s definitely on the top of the list for the next time I visit.

• Trail Conditions:
  • The path is steeper and more rugged but well-marked.
  • Exercise caution, especially during wet or icy conditions.

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Step 6: Returning to Jenny Lake

After enjoying Hidden Falls (and possibly Inspiration Point), return to Jenny Lake by retracing your steps:

1. By Trail:
   
   • Hike back along the same path to the boat dock or trailhead.
   • If time permits, consider taking the longer route around the northern edge of Jenny Lake for a different perspective.

1. By Shuttle Boat:
   
   • Check the boat schedule to ensure you don’t miss the last departure.
   • Enjoy the scenic ride back across the lake.

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Additional Tips for a Memorable Visit

1. Weather Preparedness:
   
   • Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; carry a rain jacket.
   • Be aware of changing trail conditions due to weather.
2. Safety:
   
   • Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems and for your safety.
   • Carry bear spray and know how to use it; bear encounters are rare but possible.
3. Respect Nature:
   
   • Follow all park regulations and Leave No Trace principles.
   • Avoid feeding wildlife or leaving food unattended.

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Conclusion

So, to wrap it all up, Hidden Falls is one of the stops you won’t wanna miss when visiting Grand Teton National Park. Whether you hike the entire way or take the shuttle boat, the journey to Hidden Falls is something you just have to experience to truly appreciate.

I’d recommend visiting later in the evening to avoid massive crowds. I loved how accessible Hidden Falls was while simultaneously feeling remote. With proper planning and preparation, you’ll be rewarded with one of the park’s most picturesque spots. Pack your gear, lace up your hiking boots, and set out for an adventure to remember!