The Bluest and Most Stunning Rocky Mountain Lake is 140 Miles From Montana Border

As far as beautiful, high-mountain lakes with almost crystal-clear water go, Montana and Wyoming give each other a run for their money. You'll find several good contenders in both states, but we thought we'd lead some folks OUT of Montana to this gem of a lake.

Finding lakes with the clearest water has become somewhat of a bucket-list game for many Americans. Another reason we thought we'd highlight the most gorgeous places in states OTHER than Montana. Our beautiful places could use a rest after the heavy use of the last several years.

For now, we're highlighting Jenny Lake, located in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. This 12,000-year-old glacier-formed lake is not a secret or a 'hidden gem'. It's actually one of the most visited places in Grand Teton National Park. But if you've never been there, or it's been many years - it's only 140 miles from West Yellowstone!

Travel and Leisure Magazine recently listed 10 great places in the U.S. to find the bluest water in America, and Montana didn't make the cut. Obviously, our neighbor Wyoming did and you can see the full list from T&L here. Looks like it's absolutely worth the effort to make the trip.

• Things to know about Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park:
• There IS a visitor center, originally from the 1920s but renovated in 2019. There are Park Rangers at the center to answer questions and give advice.
• The Discovery Trail will take you right to Jenny Lake. This is a short 1/3 mile, paved path that IS wheelchair accessible.
• Jenny Lake's Surface elevation: 6,783 ft (2,067 m)
• Jenny Lake's Surface area: 1,191 acres (482 ha)
• Jenny Lake's Max. depth: 456 ft (139 m)
• "Jenny and Jackson Lakes are the only lakes in Grand Teton National Park where motorboats are permitted."
• You can take a shuttle boat across Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. (You can also hike around the lake.) "Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day during the season."
• Canoes and kayaks are also available to rent
• You can also bring your own boat, but be sure to read about the rules and restrictions.
• Check Grand Teton Park road work and construction updates here

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If you've never been to Jenny Lake, surely you know where to find Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The Google Map above will give you a good idea of the best way to get there...although you can go any way you want. By our calculations, Jenny Lake is about 140 or 150 miles from West Yellowstone, Montana.

According to Wikipedia: "Jenny Lake is named after a Shoshone Indian woman who married an Englishman, Richard "Beaver Dick" Leigh.[7][8] Jenny, and their 6 children, died of Smallpox in 1876."

Grand Teton National Park: "Our facilities operate seasonally from mid-May through early October each year. Lodging reservations are available on a 12-month rolling basis and can be booked online or by calling 307-543-3100. All in-park camping is by reservation only and can be booked on a six-month rolling basis at Recreation.gov.