Trip Idea

Hikes at String Lake

Multiple Parks

A kayak floats in a turquoise lake at the base of jagged mountain peaks.
Trails departing from String Lake provide views of valley lakes and the Teton Range.

NPS Photo/D. Lehle

The String Lake Trailhead offers access to trails ranging from easy to very strenuous trails. To access trails, drive down the Teton Park Road and turn at the North Jenny Lake Junction. Follow signs for String Lake. The String Lake parking lot commonly fills in mid-summer. Arrive before 9am to guarantee a parking spot.

Multiple hikes from String Lake include access to backcountry campsites. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry.

Always be prepared when hiking in Grand Teton. Carry water for every member of your group, be alert to your surroundings, and understand your limitations on distance and elevation gain. Several trails from String Lake can hold snow until mid-July. Hikers should use caution when traveling over snow and not attempt trails unless they have previous snow experience and the proper equipment. Wildlife—such as bears—is commonly active in the area. Never approach a wild animal. To check current trail conditions and bear activity, stop at a visitor center to talk with a ranger.
Key for the above map. Green = Easy Light Blue = Moderate Blue = Moderately Strenuous Dark Blue = Strenuous Dark Gray = Very Strenuous
Day and Overnight Hikes
  • Grand Teton National Park

    String Lake

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: String Lake
    • Duration: 2–3 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A kayak floats in a turquoise lake at the base of jagged mountain peaks.

    Travel around String Lake on this easy loop trail.

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    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: String Lake
    • Duration: 11–14 Hours
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A trail meanders through a rocky, alpine meadow with jagged peaks in the background.

    Loop through Paintbrush and Cascade canyons on this very strenuous day or overnight loop hike.

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Last updated: November 27, 2023