Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake
Aerial view of Jenny Lake in front of the Cathedral Group
Jenny Lake is located in Wyoming
Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake
LocationGrand Teton National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, US
Coordinates43°45′50″N 110°43′48″W / 43.76389°N 110.73000°W / 43.76389; -110.73000[1]
TypeGlacial Lake
Primary inflowsCascade Creek and String Lake
Primary outflowsCottonwood Creek
Basin countriesUnited States
Max. length2.2 mi (3.5 km)
Max. width1.2 mi (1.9 km)
Surface area1,191 acres (482 ha)[2]
Max. depth456 ft (139 m)[2]
Surface elevation6,783 ft (2,067 m)

Jenny Lake is located in Grand Teton National Park in the U.S. state of Wyoming.[3] The lake was formed approximately 12,000 years ago by glaciers pushing rock debris which carved Cascade Canyon during the last glacial maximum, forming a terminal moraine which now impounds the lake.[4] The lake is estimated to be 256 feet (78 m) deep and encompasses 1,191 acres (482 ha). Jenny Lake is considered to be a major focal point in Grand Teton National Park, with many hiking trails, scenic boat rides, and quick access to the major climbing routes onto the tallest peaks of the Teton Range.[5]

Jenny and Jackson Lakes are the only lakes in Grand Teton National Park where motorboats are permitted; both lakes have scenic tours available.[6][7] A 2005 study of the water quality of the lakes in Grand Teton National Park indicated that all the lakes in the park were still considered pristine and that they had not been impacted by air or water pollution.[2]

Jenny Lake is a starting point for many day and overnight hiking trips. The 7.1-mile (11.4 km) Jenny Lake Trail loops around the lake and is considered to be relatively easy due to the small altitude gain of 700 feet (210 m). However, the altitude increases rapidly once Cascade Canyon is entered.[5]

Jenny Lake is named after a Shoshone Indian woman who married an Englishman, Richard "Beaver Dick" Leigh.[8][9] Jenny, and their 6 children, died of Smallpox in 1876.

  • Jenny Lake at the foot of Cascade Canyon
    Jenny Lake at the foot of Cascade Canyon
  • Boat ride across Jenny Lake to Cascade Canyon
    Boat ride across Jenny Lake to Cascade Canyon
  • Jenny Lake in December
    Jenny Lake in December
  1. ^ "Jenny Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2011-10-09.
  2. ^ a b c Rhea, Darren T.; et al. (February 2005). "Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water, Sediment and Snow, from Lakes in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming" (PDF). United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original (pdf) on 2012-04-25. Retrieved 2011-10-09.
  3. ^ Jenny Lake, WY (Map). Topoquest (USGS Quads). Retrieved 2011-10-09.
  4. ^ "Jenny Lake at Grand Teton – 12,000 Years of History". National Park Posters. 2022-02-26. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
  5. ^ a b "Day Hikes" (pdf). National Park Service. March 2010. Retrieved 2011-10-08.
  6. ^ "Boating and Floating". National Park Service. Retrieved 2011-10-09.
  7. ^ "Concessioner Activities". National Park Service. Retrieved 2011-10-09.
  8. ^ "Jenny Lake District FAQs". National Park Service. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
  9. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 169.