Moose Ponds Loop Trail

Moose Ponds Loop is an easy, roughly 3.4-mile lollipop from South Jenny Lake. It leaves the lakeshore for two willow-fringed ponds, then loops through the open sagebrush of Lupine Meadows before returning to the lake path. The route details give 3.4 miles and about 170 feet of climbing; the walk description rounds the loop to 3 miles, so plan for the longer figure. If you want the shorter version, the separate 2-mile round-trip out-and-back goes to the ponds and turns back the same way.

From the South Jenny Lake parking area, follow the paved path to the East Boat Dock; the hiking trail starts just beyond the dock. Stay on the shore route until the Moose Ponds branch, then follow the circuit around the basin and out into Lupine Meadows. It’s an easy way to get more than lake views without committing to a long mountain hike. The ponds are the main stop; the meadow makes the full lollipop worthwhile if you have time for the extra walk.

A small clearing looks down on the ponds with Teewinot rising behind them. The route drops into a willow thicket, follows the east side of one pond, and arcs around the north end of the other. A faint side path climbs to another open view over the wetland, so pay attention at the junction and return to the main tread. The short rise to the overlook is steeper than the rest of this easy walk, and roots and rocks make the first stretch less smooth than a stroll. For a strong photo, frame the water with Teewinot above it from the clearing.