Hiking the String Lake Loop Trail in Grand Teton National Park
Distance: 3.8 miles / 6.1 km
The String Lake Loop Trail in Grand Teton National Park is a fun, beautiful, and one of the best kid-friendly day hikes of any throughout the Teton Range!
I believe this because many trails throughout Grand Teton National Park are very steep, with the exception of those located just outside of the range, such as the Jenny Lake Loop, the Phelps Lake Loop, and, yes, the String Lake Loop!
However, none are as short or as easy as the String Lake Loop Trail, which is one of the main reasons I believe it is one of the best to hike with young kids!
On a different note, String Lake is also one of the most popular places in Grand Teton National Park to paddleboard and kayak, making the entire area one of the best places to spend a long day with the entire family!
String Lake Loop Trailhead Parking
Parking for the String Lake Loop Trail is located at the joint String Lake–Leigh Lake Trailhead in one of three lots off String Lake Road.
That said, the String Lake Trailhead is one of the most difficult places to find parking in Grand Teton National Park, and I often say it’s number four in terms of popularity, behind only the Jenny Lake Trailhead, the Phelps Lake Trailhead, and the Lupine Meadows Trailhead.
This is why it is important to arrive early and know that parking along Jenny Lake Road, just prior to the String Lake turn-off area, is illegal and highly enforced. I have seen cars booted before for illegally parking at String Lake!
Google Maps Directions: String Lake Loop Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Yellowstone–Tetons
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the Yellowstone–Teton area.
Hiking the String Lake Loop Trail
The String Lake Loop Trail could begin at any number of paths that lead toward the shoreline from the three different parking lots, but this article begins from the joint String Lake–Leigh Lake Trailhead in the northernmost lot.
String Lake Loop Trailhead
String Lake Loop Trailhead
String Lake Loop Trailhead
String Lake Loop Trail
After just a few steps from the joint String Lake Trailhead, the paved path reaches the start of the String Lake Loop Trail.
That said, there’s the option to go either right or left from this split, but I personally prefer to go right because it is the best way to hike away from the majority of the crowds that like to hang out along the shoreline closest to the three parking lots.
String Lake Loop-Jenny Lake Lodge Junction
After roughly 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the joint trailhead, the String Lake Loop Trail passes a short side trail that connects String Lake with Jenny Lake Lodge.
That said, go straight to stay on the String Lake Loop Trail toward the Leigh Lake Outlet at the northern end.
Go Straight
String Lake Loop-Jenny Lake Lodge Junction
String Lake Loop-Leigh Lake Portage Junction
On the far northern end of String Lake, the loop passes the Leigh Lake Portage, the land crossing used by canoers and kayakers to get between the two lakes.
That said, go straight at this split to continue hiking the String Lake Loop toward the Leigh Lake Outlet shortly ahead.
Go Straight
String Lake Loop-Leigh Lake Portage Junction
String Lake Loop-Leigh Lake Junction
Just a few steps after the Leigh Lake Portage, the String Lake Loop passes a second connection with the Leigh Lake Trail.
At this second split, go left, and the String Lake Loop will cross the Leigh Lake Outlet just around the corner.
Go Left
Leigh Lake Outlet
This is where the String Lake Loop Trail crosses the Leigh Lake Outlet and begins the western, much less trafficked side of the loop.
String Lake Loop-Leigh Lake Campsites Junction
Immediately after crossing the Leigh Lake Outlet, the String Lake Loop splits again with the path that leads to the Leigh Lake Campsites, which are reservable through Recreation.gov using the link below.
That aside, go left at this junction to continue on the String Lake Loop Trail toward Paintbrush Canyon and the western half of the loop.
Book Here: Leigh Lake Backcountry Campsites
Go Left
String Lake Loop-Leigh Lake Campsites Junction
String Lake Loop-Paintbrush Canyon Junction
The next time the String Lake Loop splits is when it meets the Paintbrush Canyon Trail, also known as the end of the Teton Crest Trail.
That said, go straight (left) at this split to continue on the String Lake Loop Trail and begin the western half of the loop toward Jenny Lake.
Go Straight (Left)
String Lake Loop-Paintbrush Canyon Junction
String Lake Loop-Laurel Lake Junction
Go Straight
String Lake Loop-Jenny Lake Loop Junction
Read My Separate Post: Jenny Lake Loop Trail
Go Left
String Lake Loop-Jenny Lake Loop Junction
String Lake Outlet
Please bear with me :)
South String Lake Trailhead
Once back at the String Lake parking area, you could simply walk back through the parking lots, but I chose to continue on the path around String Lake, which is what’s shown below in the photos below.
Overall, I think the String Lake Loop Trail is a great hike for those looking for a casual adventure in Grand Teton that doesn’t take all day.
However, there are obviously other more beautiful trails within the park, such as Delta Lake, but I definitely wouldn't overlook the String Lake Loop if you're not looking to hike too far.
