Thing to Do

Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes

A small lake surrounded by green vegetation and trees.
Enjoy a long stroll on this relatively flat trail to Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes.

NPS Photo/A. Falgoust

Starting along the eastern shore of String Lake, this trail takes you through the forested shorelines and beyond Leigh Lake to Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes. While the trail is long, there is little elevation change, making it an easy to moderately difficult trail. The trail ends at Trapper Lake, a small lake in an open meadow, and allows for spectacular views of Mount Moran.
Details
The Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes Trail is a moderate, 9.2 mi (14.8 km) RT out and back trail with 460 ft (140 m) of elevation gain.
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
general fee is charged to enter Grand Teton National Park.
Park at the String and Leigh Lakes Trailhead for access to the Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes Trail.
Permits are required for those planning to stay overnight in the backcountry. Visit the backcountry page to learn about obtaining a permit.
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes Trail is a moderate, 9.2 mi (14.8 km) RT out and back trail with 460 ft (140 m) of elevation gain and an average slope of 4%. While the trail is long, there is little elevation change. Once past the intial 5-6 stairs at the Leigh Lake Trailhead, the trail has numerous small ups and downs and feature obstacbles, such as exposed roots and rocks.

Grand Teton National Park

Last updated: May 17, 2022