String Lake Loop - 3.7mi Easy Hike

A kayak floats in a turquoise lake at the base of jagged mountain peaks.

Loop around String Lake for 360-degree views of Mount St. John, Rockchuck Peak, and Jackson Hole Valley—a 3.7-mile circuit with 540 feet of elevation gain. The east shore delivers a gradual warm-up over rooty terrain; the west side climbs to a ridge overlooking the lake before ducking back into forest. Mostly shaded, except where a burned forest opens the canopy and exposes you to sun and wind. Difficulty: Easy with real terrain; time: 2–3 hours depending on fitness and photo stops.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 3.7
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy with real terrain
Elevation Gain Feet: 540

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3.7
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy with real terrain
Elevation Gain Feet: 540
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours if you're fit and stop for photos; 3–4 if you're breaking in new boots.
Trail Surface: Rooty forest trail with exposed rocks. East side is relatively flat with obstacles like roots and rock. West side climbs to ridge. Burned area section is rocky and open.
Trail Features: Mount St. John views
Rockchuck Peak views
Jackson Hole Valley views
String Lake views
Burned forest section
Ridge overlook
Mountain panorama
Trail Highlights: Panoramic views of Mount St. John, Rockchuck Peak, and Jackson Hole Valley from the ridge overlooking String Lake. The burned forest adds moody, raw terrain.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: String and Leigh Lakes Trailhead
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: None. You drive to the String and Leigh Lakes Trailhead.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required.
Fees: $35 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (7 days)
Trail Status: Open (seasonal)
Seasonal Closures: Winter closure; typically closed November through April due to snow.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Filter at String Lake; no sources on the trail itself. Plan to carry all water.
Accessibility: The String Lake Loop is an easy 3.7 mi loop hike with 540 ft of elevation gain and an average slope of 6%. The trail on the east side is relatively flat with obstacles such as exposed roots and rock. The west side includes elevation gain to a ridge overlooking String Lake.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Exposed roots and rocks
Ridge exposure
Sun exposure in burned area
Uneven terrain
Potential snow and ice in spring
Hazard Details: Exposed roots and rocks on east shore can twist ankles. West side ridge has drop-offs with exposure to wind and steep sides. Burned forest section is full sun and can be hot. Trail can be icy in spring.
Crowd Level: Moderate to high in summer
Peak Crowd Times: 7 AM–10 AM, especially July–August weekends
Best Season: Late Spring through Early Fall (May–October)
Best Time To Visit: Late May through early October when snow is gone and trails are clear. Start by 6 AM—parking fills fast. The west ridge gets exposure; avoid midday heat in July and August. Fall (September–October) offers lighter crowds and aspen color.
Tips Advice: Hydrate hard: no water sources on the trail. Carry 2L minimum.
Trekking poles for the rooty east side and descent from the ridge.
The burned forest section is sun-exposed; wear a hat and sunscreen.
Make noise for bears in the open areas.
Tighten your boots; roots are an ankle-twist waiting to happen.

More details

Park Area: String Lake Area
Trail Markers: Well-worn path, occasionally marked. Route is obvious, but bring a map.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mostly shaded forest, except burned area section (full sun, windy).
Emergency Contacts: 911 when in service. Park ranger stations available at Colter Bay Visitor Center and Park Headquarters.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically snow-free June–October; winter closure November–April
Mud Season: Late May and early June; trails can be muddy from snowmelt.
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through early October for aspen color in surrounding forest
Bug Season: Peak mosquitoes July–August near the lake shore
Insider Tips: The false 'summit' on the west ridge is not the high point—keep going for the best views.
East side is faster; save the west side ridge for the return to enjoy the views.
Arrive by 6 AM to secure parking in summer.
The burned forest is disorienting—stay on the main trail.
Family Friendly Notes: Good for families with older kids (8+) comfortable with rooty terrain and 540 ft of elevation. Young kids should be supervised on the west ridge section due to exposure and drop-offs. The burned area is exposed and hot—bring shade gear.
Nearby Facilities: String and Leigh Lakes Trailhead has parking. Colter Bay Campground (8 miles north) has RV and tent sites, restrooms, and ranger station. No services directly at trailhead.
Review Summary: Hikers praise the lake views and moderate difficulty, though the rooty terrain and climb to the ridge challenges those unprepared for real ground. The burned forest section and ridge exposure make it feel more serious than its 'easy' rating suggests. Most report it as a solid half-day hike with excellent payoff.

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail really 'easy'?

It's easy by Teton standards—no scrambling, no cables, no chains. But 540 ft of elevation gain over rooty terrain is real work. Most hikers finish in 2–3 hours. Don't let the 'easy' label fool you.

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes, black bears are possible. Make noise in the open areas, especially near the lake and in the burned forest. Travel in groups. No bears are guaranteed, but be loud.

Do I need a map?

The route is obvious—the loop is well-worn. But bring a map anyway. If you get turned around in the burned area, it helps.

How fit do I need to be?

Moderate fitness. You need to handle sustained climbing and uneven ground for 2–3 hours. Not a beginner trail. Regular hikers handle it fine.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs are not permitted on this trail or in Grand Teton backcountry.

What's the water situation?

No water sources on the trail. Filter at String Lake at the start or carry all 2 liters from the car. Plan to carry water for the entire 3.7-mile loop.

Is the parking lot usually full?

Yes, by 8 AM in summer. Arrive by 6 AM or plan an afternoon start after 1 PM.