String Lake
Alta, Wyoming
| GPS: |
43°47'7.3"N 110°43'53.3"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
| Trails/Routes: | 3.6 mi |
National Park
Canoe, Hike, Kayak, and Swim
String Lake is a shallow lake that connects Leigh Lake and Jenny Lake at the base of Mount St. John and Rockchuck Peak. From the lakeshore, you can also take in beautiful views of Teewinot and Mt. Moran. The shallow lake is much colder than the glacier lakes on either side. The warm water makes it great for a swim and there's a lot of great areas for kids to wade in. Got a Kayak or Canoe, you'll love how clear the water is as you'll be able to see the bottom anywhere on the lake. It's also a great way to access Leigh Lake and Jenny Lake to do some boating on more open waters. You can put in at String Lake, boat to an end, and then portage to the connecting lake at a much less congested part of the lake.
Rather go for a hike? The String Lake Trail loops around the lake and far enough up the hill that you can get great views of String Lake. Come a little later in the summer and enjoy wild berries along the Northern half of the loop. Stay away from anything that's bright red though. If you're looking for something bigger, the String Lake Trail connects into trails into Paintbrush Canyon, Jenny Lake, and Leigh Lake. The Leigh Lake connection is right at the north end of the lake on the East side of the bridge. From there it's 0.1 miles to the Leigh Lake portage and you will be doing yourself a huge disservice if for some reason you decide not to take this detour. At that point on Leigh Lake, you'll find a tiny little sandbar with lots of rocks sticking up out of the water for hopping around and some amazing views. The portage is only a couple hundred feet away from Boulder Island which beautifully frames the view of Mt. Moran towering over the peaceful lake.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Alta, Wyoming
- Head south on Alta School Rd toward W Alta Ski Hill Rd (82 ft)
- Slight right onto W Alta Ski Hill RdEntering Idaho(0.5 mi)
- Continue onto Ski Hill Rd (3.5 mi)
- Continue onto E Little Ave (0.5 mi)
- Turn left onto ID-33 E/S Main StContinue to follow ID-33 EEntering Wyoming(13.9 mi)
- Continue onto WY-22 E (17.4 mi)
- Turn left onto US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N/W Broadway (1.4 mi)
- Turn left onto US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N/N Cache StContinue to follow US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N(6.9 mi)
- At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N (5.5 mi)
- Turn left onto Teton Park Rd (1.0 mi)
- Keep right to stay on Teton Park RdParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(9.8 mi)
- Turn left onto Jenny Lake Rd (1.5 mi)
- Turn right onto String Lake Rd (0.2 mi)
- Turn left (0.1 mi)
Turn left at the North Jenny Lake Junction. Turn right at String Lake parking. Follow the signs.
Views of Moran from String Lake Trail courtesy of endovereric↗
Trail along Rockchuck Peak courtesy of endovereric↗
String Lake from above courtesy of endovereric↗
Mt. Moran and Boulder Island from Leigh Lake portage courtesy of endovereric↗
Trail along String Lake from Leigh Lake portage courtesy of endovereric↗
Moran from String Lake courtesy of endovereric↗
String Lake kayaking, swimming, and Mt. Moran courtesy of endovereric↗
Teewinot from String Lake courtesy of endovereric↗
String Lake courtesy of endovereric↗
Mount St. John and Rockchuck Peak above String Lake courtesy of endovereric↗
