Trip Idea

Hikes at String and Leigh Lakes

Multiple Parks

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

NPS Photo/D. Lehle

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

Multiple hikes from String and Leigh Lakes 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 and Leigh Lakes 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.
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.

    View Details
  • Grand Teton National Park

    Leigh Lake

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: String Lake
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    Waves crash on the shore of a clear, blue lake at the base of a mountain range.

    Take an easy day or overnight hike to Leigh Lake for less crowds and mountain views.

    View Details
  • Grand Teton National Park

    Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: String Lake
    • Duration: 4–6 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A small lake surrounded by green vegetation and trees.

    Hike along the shore of Leigh Lake for panoramic views of Mount Moran.

    View Details
  • Grand Teton National Park

    Holly Lake

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: String Lake
    • Duration: 7–9 Hours
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    An alpine lake sits at the base of a rocky cliff surrounded by green vegetation.

    Hike to an alpine lake on this strenuous day or overnight hike up Paintbrush Canyon.

    View Details
    • 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.

    View Details

Last updated: November 27, 2023