String Lake

The basics

The famous Jenny Lake is one of three in a chain of major lakes—Leigh Lake and String Lake being her siblings. String Lake is the middle bead: a long, narrow, almost river-like body of water that’s, in most places, shallow and good for swimming. It’s also good for canoeing and kayaking, and trails can be found on all sides for those who prefer to stay on solid ground.

Like the rest of the lakes in Grand Teton National Park, String Lake is surrounded by gorgeous forests and mountains. Trails range from easy to strenuous, and the farther you get from Jenny Lake, the farther you get from the crowds.

Things to know before you go

• Entrance to Grand Teton National Park is US$35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.

• Boat rentals are not available at String Lake—you’ll need to bring or rent your own.

• Water, restrooms, picnic tables, and parking can be found at the String Lake picnic area.

How to get there

The String Lake parking area can be found off Teton Park Road; turn at the North Jenny Lake Junction, following the signs to String Lake. If the parking lot is full, more parking spaces can be found at and around Jenny Lake Lodge. Hiking trails veer off into the forest in all directions from the parking lot.

When to get there

The best time to visit String Lake is May to September, when the weather is warm, the trails are open, and all facilities are running. Beyond that, avoid the worst of the crowds by visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. If you do visit midday, just keep hiking (or swimming!) away from Jenny Lake to find some serenity.

Into the wild

The String Lake parking area is basically the last spot that sees cars—the adjoining Leigh Lake has no vehicle access. In other words, drop off your car, start hiking north to Leigh Lake, and you’re leaving civilization behind. From here, you can stroll the shores of both lakes for an easy to moderate hike or tick off a strenuous 1–2 day hike into the gorgeous Paintbrush Canyon.