Jenny Lake trail was the hike I didn’t know I needed. I woke up this morning feeling overworked and stressed. So what did I do to take my mind off things? I got in my car at six in the morning and drove to the Grand Tetons.
I went to one of the most known places to watch the sunrise: Mormon Row. This area consists of old homes built by Mormon settlers during the late 1800s and early 1900s. When the sun peaks above the hills, the jutted Tetons turn purple creating a delicate landscape full of a rural history.
After the sun rose and the good lighting disappeared, I hopped in my car and drove toward the Jenny Lake trailhead. It was around 8:30 a.m. when I arrived at the packed parking lot for the trail, so I kept driving down the road until reaching the parking lot for the String Lake trailhead. This trail eventually leads to Jenny Lake, and I’m glad I added on this peaceful start to the hike. Jenny Lake trail via String Lake trailhead is a 7.5-mile loop hike, but I ended up walking a total of ten miles to visit all the destinations along this trail.
The trail became more populated the closer I got to Jenny Lake. The Tetons were constantly surrounded with vibrant fall colors and a crystal blue sky above. My jaw dropped when finally reaching the everlasting Jenny Lake. The serene water resembled a giant mirror placed within a valley of mountains. A small boat was constantly driving across the lake to bring tourists to opposite sides of the trail for a fee of $10 per ride.
Hidden Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to access within the park, and it’s on Jenny Lake trail. Clusters of people gathered before the waterfall taking in its beauty. I scrambled across the rocks to get closer to the falls and laid in the sun while feeling the water’s mist.
After enjoying the waterfall I hiked one mile to Inspiration Point. This peak offers a bird eye’s view of Jenny Lake at 7,203 feet. I ate a Clif Bar as a friendly chipmunk kept a close eye on me before heading back towards the lake.
On my way back I decided to make my way down to the lake to escape the crowds, and I did not expect to see sparkling sand underneath the clear water. Being able to swim in the lake without being disturbed by others was my favorite part of this hike.
As I dragged my feet back to the trailhead, another hiker warned of a bear in the woods to my left. I shrugged off what I thought was a joke, but then more people kept asking if I had seen the bear. I never did, but others on the trail caught a quick glimpse of fuzzy, brown ears running through the trees.
By the time I got back to the car I was exhausted. I drove out of the park while the sun was setting and watched the sun set over the mountains multiple times while driving through different elevations back to the cabin in Dubois.
I’ve been feeling down recently due to the pandemic and the lack of care from our government, but this hike filled with colors made me realize how beautiful life can be. I felt hopeful for the first time in a long time, and this hike offered me a place to think about my purpose on this planet and how I can help those around me.
Although a long hike, Jenny Lake trail is moderately flat and features breathtaking views including lakes, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Be prepared to be surrounded by others on the trail as it is one of the most popular within the national park.
RILEY J ROAMS 
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