Moose Ponds Loop Trail

The Moose Ponds Loop Trail is a 1.8-mile loop located south of Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. As the name suggests, this hike takes visitors past two ponds that are prime habitat for moose and other wildlife. There are three ways to access this trail. One is from the Jenny Lake Trailhead (west of the visitors center). It is a 3.2-mile hike from here. One can also access the trail from the south end of the loop by parking off Lupine Meadows Road. This article will describe the hike in a counter clockwise direction starting at a gravel and dirt parking area off Lupine Meadows Road which is located right before the road heads south. After parking your vehicle, head west on a very short spur trail which ends at the Moose Ponds Loop Trail. Take a right onto the trail. After a tenth of a mile the trail intersects with the Jenny Lake Loop Trail; take a left and follow this trail for 0.2 miles. Look for the small metal sign labeled Moose Ponds Loop Trail; take a left here. You will soon arrive at a few small clearings that overlook the Moose Ponds and Teewinot Mountain. From here the trail drops down to the basin near the first pond and travels near the eastern shore of the pond. This wetland area is prime moose habitat. The trail then passes around the north side of the second pond at a distance.After leaving the pond area, the trail passes through a conifer forest and some open areas. Eventually the trail nears Lupine Meadows Road and heads north back to the parking area.Please be aware that you are in bear country, bring bear spray. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. This trail is in Grand Teton National Park so a fee must be paid to enter the park.