Jenny Lake is one of the most visited areas of Grand Teton National Park, if not the most visited. And for good reason. Easy and moderate trails provide access to some of the most stunning views in the park, so it’s no wonder that the area is frequented by locals and visitors alike. But I wanted to see what sunrise looked like from there.
Starting my hike with plentiful stars still in the night sky, I began up the Jenny Lake Loop. I had hiked this trail numerous times throughout my fifteen years as a resident in the area, thus far. Hiking in before dark, however, gave the landscape a completely other-worldly feel. And though it was eerily quiet, I felt completely safe.
The quiet water reflected the few remaining stars still lingering in the sky, as well as the first light from the sun beginning to peek through the dark shadow of Earth against the empty void of space. Familiar and common features, rocks and plants and trees, were equally black, silhouetted against the dimly lit sky. This trail, so well documented from daylight, appeared as confusing and alien as the landscape did during the total solar eclipse years earlier. The only thing missing was a black sun.
And still, I felt completely safe, completely at peace with the surrounding landscape and any critters that might be occupying that space. This could also be attributed to the fact that I didn’t hear any. Still, it all added up to a wonderfully memorable morning where I had the busiest trail in Grand Teton National Park to myself.