String Lake Loop Hiking Guide

String Lake is the gentle option in the Jenny Lake area: a 3.7-mile loop around a narrow lake under Mount St. John and Rockchuck Peak. The east shore is nearly flat; the west side climbs to a ridge with a view back over the valley. Add Leigh Lake for a longer, still easy day.

permit requiredno dogs
Difficulty
easy
Distance
3.7 mi
Elevation gain
298 ft
Trailhead
Moose
shallow lake below Mount St. John and Rockchuck Peakflat east shoreridge overlook on the west sideextension to Leigh Lake
summerfall

Permit: Grand Teton National Park charges an entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person on foot or bike (16 and older), each valid 7 days; the park annual pass is $70 and the America the Beautiful pass ($80) also covers entry. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 per person unless entering on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The park is cashless. No permit is needed for a day hike.

Distance and Climbing

Both the park and AllTrails measure the loop at 3.7 miles. The park gives 540 feet of gain, while AllTrails shows 298 feet and a one to one and a half hour estimate. The park suggests starting south along the east shore for a more gradual climb. Most of the trail is wooded, with a stretch through an older burn below the peaks before it ducks back into trees.

Adding Leigh Lake

From the north end of String Lake, a nearly flat trail continues to the south end of Leigh Lake. The park lists the Leigh Lake Trail on its own at 1.8 miles round trip with 110 feet of gain, starting up a few stairs and then running over roots and rocks. You can keep going up Leigh's east shore for more beaches and open views. Leigh Lake can only be reached on foot or by non-motorized boat, so it's usually quieter.

Road Season

String Lake is reached from North Jenny Lake Junction on the Teton Park Road, which closes to vehicles from November 1 through April 30; the park lists the String Lake canoe launch on the same schedule. After that the area is a long trip on skis or snowshoes from the Taggart Lake end. The park's trail reports showed this loop snow-free by late May this year. AllTrails notes this lot is also the off-season start for Cascade Canyon once the Jenny Lake boat stops.

Fee and Bears

A Grand Teton entrance pass is required to drive in: $35 per vehicle for seven days, $20 per person for hikers and cyclists, or an annual or America the Beautiful pass, all paid by card. Even on an easy lakeshore walk, bears are possible. The park asks every hiker to carry spray, stay in a group of three or more, and keep food on their person rather than leaving it on a beach towel.

Hiking tips for String Lake Loop

  • Start on the east shore, as the park suggests, so the climbing comes gradually.
  • Add the walk to Leigh Lake if the loop feels too short.
  • Keep snacks in your pack at the beach; don't leave food unattended.
  • Plan on the Teton Park Road closing to cars on November 1.
  • Bring a warm layer; shady stretches of trail stay cold on fall mornings.

Nearby trails to explore

  • Jenny Lake Loop
  • Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point at Jenny Lake
  • Signal Mountain Trail (Grand Teton)

Hike this trail with TrailMates

String Lake is an easy loop that works for every pace in a group. Use TrailMates to find Jackson Hole hikers heading to String Lake. Download the TrailMates app to connect.