Leigh Lake - Kayaking near Alta, Wyoming
Leigh Lake, Wyoming 83414, USA,Alta,Wyoming
43.78863947073457, -110.73064425754717
16.5 miles NE of Alta, Wyoming
Address: Leigh Lake, Wyoming 83414, USA
GPS: 43°47'19.1"N 110°43'50.3"W
Maps | Directions
State: Wyoming
Trails/Routes: 0.1-7.3 mi

Backpack, Canoe, Hike, and Kayak

Enjoy the grandeur of Grand Teton National Park just a little ways off the beaten path. Leigh Lake rests underneath the majestic Mount Moran. The waters of Leigh Lake flow almost directly into String Lake with only a hint of river between the two. While only a mile from the String Lake parking area, Leigh Lake offers a majestic serenity easily missed on the more popular trails of the park. You can take a hike around the perimeter, never going far from the shoreline and amazing views or enjoy the waters and views from the gentle ride of a kayak or canoe. To find the trailhead, just go to the West end of the String Lake parking area near the vault toilets and begin walking north along the banks of String Lake. There are many small trails but as long as you're headed North, all the trails will come together into the main String Lake/Leigh Lake Trail. At the end of String Lake, the trails will diverge. For amazing views of Boulder Island an Mount Moran, follow the portage trail from the junction north where you'll descend down the log stairs to the waters edge. To continue all the way around the lake to the North end, just take the trail to the East. The trail stays close to shore most of the time and has a few great places to stop and enjoy the view. At the North end of the lake, you'll find another junction where you can go left (South) to the North shore of Leigh Lake, right (North) to Bearpaw Lake, or straight (West) to continue around Bearpaw Lake to Trapper Lake. Like most things in the Tetons, be bear aware and respectful and it doesn't much matter where you go. What a beautiful place to be.

If you want to kayak these waters, just put in at the String Lake parking lot, then paddle down to the portage trail at the North end of the lake. Then carry the boat 1.3 miles set it in the water and enjoy your day.

28.4K Written by endovereric

More Information

Add Resource

Link to another great resource

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Alta, Wyoming

  1. Head south on Alta School Rd toward W Alta Ski Hill Rd (82 ft)
  2. Slight right onto W Alta Ski Hill Rd
    Entering Idaho
    (0.5 mi)
  3. Continue onto Ski Hill Rd (3.5 mi)
  4. Continue onto E Little Ave (0.5 mi)
  5. Turn left after KeyBank (on the right)
    Continue to follow ID-33 E
    Entering Wyoming
    (13.9 mi)
  6. Continue onto WY-22 E (17.4 mi)
  7. Turn left onto US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N/W Broadway (1.4 mi)
  8. Turn left onto US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N/N Cache St
    Continue to follow US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N
    (6.9 mi)
  9. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N (5.5 mi)
  10. Turn left onto Teton Park Rd (1.0 mi)
  11. Keep left to stay on Teton Park Rd
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    (9.8 mi)
  12. Turn left onto Jenny Lake Rd (1.5 mi)
  13. Turn right onto String Lake Rd (0.4 mi)
to add photos & videos and suggest edits

Guest Review/Comments

/5
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Edit Review Delete Review
Reply Cancel
Leigh Lake Panorama added by endovereric Leigh Lake Panorama added by endovereric
Kayakers on Leigh Lake near Boulder Island with Mount Moran towering in the background courtesy of endovereric Kayakers on Leigh Lake near Boulder Island with Mount Moran towering in the background courtesy of endovereric↗

Other Hiking Trails, Canoeing Areas, Kayaking Areas, and Backpacking Trails Nearby

Add Location 3.6 mi

String Lake

Alta, Wyoming

0.2 miles S

A shallow, warm lake connecting Jenny and Leigh Lakes at the base of the Tetons — the clear water lets you see the bottom from a kayak, wade easily with kids, and access wilder open water beyond.

Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

10.5-16.2 mi

Paintbrush Canyon

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

0.3 miles SE

A beautiful trail along String Lake, Leigh Lake, and Lake Solitude in Grand Teton — with a short, rewarding scramble to the secluded Micah Lake perch for even fewer crowds.

Backpack, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

1.0-5.1 mi

Jenny Lake Trail

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

1.9 miles SW

An easy loop around Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park — visiting Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and abundant wildlife including marmots, moose, and occasional bears along the well-built stone-stair trail.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

24.3 mi

Cascade Canyon Trail

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

2.6 miles S

A wildlife-rich canyon hike past Hidden Falls and into Cascade Canyon, where waterfalls pour off glacier-fed mountains flanking the Grand Teton.

Backpack, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

Teewinot Mountain

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

3.7 miles S

Teewinot Mountain is a 12,325-ft Teton spire above Jenny Lake — the range's deadliest peak and a committing 4th-class East Face climb, not a hike.

Backpack, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

Mount Owen

Jackson, Wyoming

3.8 miles S

Mount Owen is the second-highest peak in the Teton Range, a striking 12,928-foot summit rising in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, just north of its famous neighbor, the Grand Teton....

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

13.8 mi

Middle Teton

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

3.8 miles S

The 12,804-ft Middle Teton rewards serious alpinists with glacier bouldering through the Southwest Couloir and panoramic views of the Grand, South, and surrounding Tetons.

Backpack, Hike, Rock Climb

rock climb Rock Climbing Wall

hike Hiking Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

3.9-14.4 mi

Grand Teton

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

3.8 miles S

At 13,770 feet, the Grand Teton towers over Western Wyoming — all popular routes require rock climbing gear and are for skilled climbers only, with 3,000 feet of exposure where a fall is fatal.

Backpack, Hike, Rock Climb

rock climb Rock Climbing Wall

hike Hiking Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

Mt. Moran

Alta, Wyoming

3.9 miles NW

At 12,610 feet, this dominant Teton peak rises 6,000 feet above Jackson Lake, with the Skillet Glacier plainly visible on its massive east face.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

4.9 mi

Amphitheater Lake

Alta, Wyoming

4.8 miles SW

Amphitheater Lake is one of Grand Teton National Park's most rewarding alpine destinations — a sparkling cirque lake cradled in granite high above the treeline, beneath the soaring peaks of...

Backpack, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

7.9 mi

Devil's Stairs

Driggs, Idaho

9.5 miles W

An 8-mile round-trip trail that starts from the Teton Canyon Trailhead, climbs 1,000 feet in switchbacks, and arrives at a stunning high meadow filled with wildflowers and framed by a towering cliff.

Backpack, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

15.0-18.4 mi

Alaska Basin

Driggs, Idaho

9.5 miles W

A stunning trail through the Jedediah Wilderness into Wyoming near Grand Teton National Park, with wildflowers, rushing rivers, the Teton Range, and the serene Alaska Basin — intermediate to advanced.

Backpack, Hike, Horseback

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

3.8-6.4 mi

Table Rock / Table Mountain

Driggs, Idaho

9.6 miles W

A big climb to 11,300 feet for arguably the finest view of the Grand Tetons — pick the steep Face or the gradual Huckleberry trail.

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

1.3-4.3 mi

Phelps Lake

Jackson, Wyoming

11.4 miles S

A 5.5-mile loop around beautiful Phelps Lake with mountain scenery, majestic blue water, several Teton waterfalls, and lakeside campsites — plus a popular cliff jumping rock along the trail.

Backpack, Camp, Dive, Hike, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

dive Diving Platform

backpack Backpacking Trail

Jumping Rock at Phelp's Lake

Jackson, Wyoming

11.4 miles S

A solo 20-foot boulder perched above deep water at Phelps Lake, with Death Canyon looming overhead — one of the most dramatic jump spots in all of Wyoming.

Dive, Hike, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

dive Diving Platform

4.5 mi

Sheep Bridge Trail

Driggs, Idaho

13.0 miles W

An easy 2.25-mile trail through summer wildflowers and kaleidoscopes of butterflies along Teton Creek — cross a bridge, meander east, and dip down to the creek at a midway rest spot.

Hike, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

6.2 mi

Darby Wind Cave

Driggs, Idaho

13.8 miles SW

Waterfalls, wildflowers, creek crossings, and a wind cave high on the canyon wall — Darby's switchback trail rewards hikers with views found nowhere else in the Tetons.

Backpack, Cave, Hike, Rock Climb

rock climb Rock Climbing Wall

hike Hiking Trail

cave Cave

backpack Backpacking Trail

4.5 mi

Aspen Trail

Alta, Wyoming

15.9 miles W

Flowing singletrack along a 6,800-ft ridgeline contour connects to Darby Canyon on a mix of smooth and rocky terrain — a satisfying intermediate out-and-back or loop.

Hike, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

Blue Miner Lake

Jackson, Wyoming

19.1 miles SE

Blue Miner Lake is a stunning backcountry alpine lake in the Gros Ventre Wilderness east of Jackson, Wyoming — a hidden gem that many locals rank among Jackson Hole's very best lakes....

Backpack, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

4.6 mi

Coal Creek Trail

Alta, Wyoming

23.1 miles SW

A hike beyond Coal Creek Meadows to a mountain divide with dramatic views of the Mesquite Creek Valley and the peaks to the north, including Grand Teton on the horizon.

Hike, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

Nearby Campsites

Add Location

Jenny Lake Campground

Jackson Hole, WY

2.6 miles S

Tucked right at the base of the Tetons, this tent-only campground fills before 8 AM in summer for good reason — alpine beauty, quiet sites, and unbeatable Teton proximity.

Camp

camp Campsite

3.8-6.4 mi

Table Rock / Table Mountain

Driggs, Idaho

9.6 miles W

A big climb to 11,300 feet for arguably the finest view of the Grand Tetons — pick the steep Face or the gradual Huckleberry trail.

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Teton Canyon Campground

Alta, Wyoming

9.7 miles W

Teton Canyon Campground is the gateway to Alaska Basin, Table Rock, and the Teton Crest Trail — each site stocked with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box.

Camp

camp Campsite

Reunion Flat Campground

Alta, Wyoming

11.2 miles W

Camp near Alta, Wyoming

Camp

camp Campsite

1.3-4.3 mi

Phelps Lake

Jackson, Wyoming

11.4 miles S

A 5.5-mile loop around beautiful Phelps Lake with mountain scenery, majestic blue water, several Teton waterfalls, and lakeside campsites — plus a popular cliff jumping rock along the trail.

Backpack, Camp, Dive, Hike, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

dive Diving Platform

backpack Backpacking Trail

Darby Canyon Camping

Alta, Wyoming

16.5 miles SW

Dispersed campsites with fire lays in scenic Darby Canyon — no official campground, just established spots in Wyoming wilderness. Leave No Trace and use existing rings only.

Camp

camp Campsite

Crystal Creek Campground

Jackson, Wyoming

19.4 miles SE

A small, peaceful campground along two Wild and Scenic Rivers — the Gros Ventre and Crystal Creek — with nearby options for hiking, biking, and OHV riding.

Camp

camp Campsite

Mike Harris Campground

Victor, Idaho

23.4 miles SW

A scenic mountain campground at 6,200 feet along Teton Pass just 5 miles from Victor, Idaho — a peaceful base for fishing, trail exploring, and sightseeing in the Teton region.

Camp

camp Campsite

Loon Lake

Ashton, Idaho

24.9 miles NW

Loon Lake is a small, lively mountain lake tucked into the Caribou-Targhee National Forest just off Ashton's Fish Creek Road, in the timbered high country of eastern Idaho near the gateway to...

Camp, Kayak, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

camp Campsite

kayak Kayaking Area

Sheep Falls on Fall River

Ashton, Idaho

27.0 miles NW

A local gem off Cave Falls Road where the river splits into multiple falls tumbling over each other — primitive campsites and beautiful views make it a great picnic stop.

Camp

camp Campsite

Cave Falls of Yellowstone

Ashton, Idaho

27.9 miles NW

A campground right on the Fall River along Yellowstone's south boundary puts you steps from legendary fishing, with fire rings and bear-proof boxes at each site.

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Pine Creek Campground

Victor, Idaho

28.1 miles SW

The Pine Creek Campground has 10 single units and has restrooms.

Camp

camp Campsite

Horseshoe Lake

Ashton, Idaho

31.7 miles NW

A lily-pad-dotted lake hidden in the Targhee National Forest with a gradual beach entry perfect for wading, a floating dock for jumping, and no motorized boats.

Camp, Canoe, Dive, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

dive Diving Platform

Porcupine Creek

Ashton, Idaho

31.9 miles NW

A backcountry hunting, fishing, camping, and swimming spot in Targhee National Forest, surrounded by forests, meadows, a creek, and unmarked trails — bear country, so pack and store food carefully.

Camp, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

camp Campsite

Granite Hot Springs

Jackson, Wyoming

32.3 miles SE

A CCC-built concrete hot springs pool fed by thermal water varying from 93°F in summer to 112°F in winter — a year-round attraction in the Teton National Forest near Jackson, with flush toilets and a campground.

Camp, Hot Springs, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

camp Campsite

hot springs Hot Spring

0.1 mi

Lewis Lake Campground

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

34.5 miles N

Yellowstone's third-largest lake draws canoeists, kayakers, and serious anglers, with a quiet campground open mid-June through early November on a first-come basis.

Camp, Canoe, Kayak

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

17.5 mi

Tear Drop Lake

Ashton, Idaho

36.0 miles NW

A small, lively lake in the Targhee forest for kayaking, swimming, and an easy loop trail — family fun with primitive lakeside camping.

Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

2.8-4.1 mi

Palisades Creek Trail / Lakes and Waterfall Canyon

Irwin, Idaho

36.2 miles SW

Spectacular mountain views, two landslide-formed alpine lakes, and mountain goat sightings — all within a 4-to-6-mile hike in the Swan Valley wilderness.

Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

horseback Horseback Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

Warm River Campground

Ashton, Idaho

36.8 miles NW

Slow-moving warm water and willow-lined banks make this campground a perfect spot for tubing, trout fishing, and peaceful mountain biking at 5,200 ft elevation.

Camp

camp Campsite

6.9 mi

Heart Lake Trail

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

37.1 miles N

An 8-mile moderate hike to a remote backcountry lake with blue thermal pools, fumaroles, Rustic Geyser, and remarkable fishing for native cutthroat, mountain whitefish, and Arctic grayling.

Backpack, Camp, Hike, Hot Springs

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

hot springs Hot Spring

backpack Backpacking Trail

More Campsites Near Leigh Lake:

Campsites

Embed Arena

Where do you plan to embed this code?

<script src="https://www.freearenas.com/embed/a39d31742"></script>

Copy
×
loading...

Edit Your Experience

Log Your Visit to This Location

We've logged that you went. Is there anything else you want to add?

Thank you for your review/comment

We've recorded your comments. Is there anything else you want to add?

By recording your visit on FreeArenas.com, you'll have a collection of all the great places you've been and provide valuable information for yourself and others in the future.

Have you been to this location?

/5
Cancel

Donate to the Cause

Help us inspire and inform every person to enjoy life and the great outdoors in a responsible way. There's a lot of ways to do this. Here's a few ways we're working on our mission right now: Providing information, Building and maintaining local trails, Helping and teaching kids to fix their bikes, Cleaning up local parks to provide safe and clean places to enjoy nature. Learn More

Update Review

/5

New Collection

Add an Arena

Just some quick info about this location to get started...