Grand Teton--West Jenny Lake

This trail is accessed by foot from the String Lake Trailhead parking.  However, that is now prohibited to horse trailers.  Parking is at the Cathedral Group turnout.  We parked there on September 24, 2019 and were the only horse trailer there.   Refer to the other postings on Grand Teton for more information and other rides in the area.

(click on any photo for enlarged images.)

The small red arrow shows the correct turn (North Jenny Lake) to access the Cathedral Group Turnout (which is designated for horse trailer parking.)  The large red arrow shows the turnout.  The red trail shows the route to Leigh Lake Trail.  The aqua trail goes to the West Jenny Lake Trail.

Cathedral Group Turnout parking

My GPS failed to upload our route, so I super-imposed it (YELLOW) on last year's track (BLUE).  Our total for the day about 8.5 miles on this out and back track.  Trail conditions:  15% soft dirt/grass/sage;  20% dirt/gravel mix; 45% extremely rocky; 20% moderately rocky.  3 road crossings; About 8 bridges; 

Head south through the sage parallel to the road.

Until you reach the horse crossing.  Follow the trail for a hundred yards or so, then branch off to the right and join a trail again.  That trail will take you across two road crossings.

One of the road crossings.

When you arrive at this bridge, you've got the correct trail.

When you reach an intersection keep to the left to Jenny Lake.  The right side goes up around String Lake.  That's another ride.  See the post on String Lake.

The trail travels along side the ridge next to the lake.  There are many rocky spots and steep drop offs, but the scenery is spectacular.

 

Once you've ridden about two miles, the forest begins.  Trail is a little better here and the forest is amazing.  Cross several bridges and there is another intersection.  Do NOT keep to the left.  That trail is for hiking only.  Pay attention to the signs.  Head right.  Here the trail becomes quite steep and rocky.  Lots of uneven rocks, stairs and ledges.

Much of the trail looks like this...

and this.

At close to 4 miles in, there is another intersection just as you enter Cascade Canyon.  The "hiking" trail from Hidden Falls intersects here.  We did not proceed any further up Cascade Canyon because we had enough of the rocky trail.  Our horses were troopers and did it all barefoot, but as senior citizens in our seventies with knee and hip problems, the constant un-even ground and rocks was exhausting.  We headed back.  I know many have ridden their horses clear up the canyon and I say "hats off" to you.  Shoes or boots might make the horses more comfortable, but wouldn't affect the effect on humans!

More typical trail.

Parking area as we returned.  We had a fan club waiting.  So many people wanted our picture.  Many cars stopped along the road and took photos.