leigh lake

Because it is just above String Lake and is on the way to Paintbrush Canyon this lake perimetry is well traveled, beautiful and both a destination as well as a starting point. The Trail head has plenty of parking (in early September at least) and you can come day after day and do different 3-8 hour hikes. Also you can walk from the trainhead to Jenny Lake Lodge for lunch and for a reasonable price have a 5 star lunch (not a heavy one).

We stopped at the String Lake parking lot with the intention of taking the 0.9 mile hike along the east side of String Lake to southern end of Leigh Lake; then, we planned to walk 2.8 mile along the east side of Leigh Lake and return on the same path. Unfortunately, we left our trail map in the vehicle, got distracted by the cute little bridge at the trailhead, and embarked on the wrong trail. It's a good trail either way, but walking the west side of String Lake takes much longer than walking the east side. When we realized our mistake, we had to decide whether to walk back to the trailhead or keep going. We ended up walking back and then driving to the trailhead for Leigh Lake. We got to enjoy String Lake from both the east and west sides, but we only hiked a short way at Leigh Lake -- guess we used up our energy allotment for the morning. Whatever you do, take your trail map with you, make noise (it's a bear area), and enjoy the views. After all, it really doesn't matter where you hike -- it just matters that you're still hiking. Enjoy!

From String Lake, views of Leigh Lake are only a relatively level 2-2.5 miles away, and the views of the lake, Mt. Moran, and Paintbrush and Leigh Canyons are lovely! There are plenty of other walkers on this popular trail, but this is a place worth visiting and sharing.

Took the trail from Leigh Lake to String Lake with nice views of Mt.Moran across the water. Hiked out to a small point and ate our small picnic lunch; no one else around. Part of the trail is multi-use for horses as well so step lightly and watch for "evidence" of their passage. It's generally an easy hike.

It is all about the wind if you are taking pictures. Find a spot that is calm and get low to get the best reflection off the lake of the mountains. A circular polarizing lens is a must.

We walked this trail a couple times between August 8-12. We had wanted to do the Jenny Lake trail, but it was closed the day we arrived due to bear sitings. The trail has beautiful scenery. The lake is spectacular against a mountain back drop. You will see signs for bears. We didn't let it bother us and just kept going. Having bear spray is probably the safest thing to take with you, but we didn't. We can't wait to go back!

Very easy hike, mostly level ground. Plenty of places to stop and look at the lake and mountains. Some good camping spots if you reserve them early enough. Great place to go swimming. If you are looking for solitude, it is not the best place. There are short periods when someone does not walk by but it is pretty popular. The best time to go is after Labor Day. Most of the people have gone home and the fall colors are coming out.

This a great place to take a hike, right around String Lake to Leigh Lake, avoiding the crowds at Jenny Lake. I would have loved to spend more time at this lake, but we wanted to go to Jenny Lake and do that trail, what a mistake. We should have just hung aroung String and Leigh. Along the trail we spotted a deer, and captured fantastic photos. This trail is level and well maintained. Next time we are taking the canoe.

This lake is warmer than most lakes in the park so lots of people swim there. You can bring your own kayak too. There are many hikes starting around there as well. Bring your bathing suit and a towel!

This is a lake you can take ictures and have them made into posters or jigsaw puzzles. Just dazzling. You will be swept up in the serenity and beauty of the area. Bring bug spray. Mosquito population is not on the endangered list!

This lake is easily accessible from the parking lot and a nice spot. What I'm really going to discuss is the String Lake Loop Trail which will intersect and is part of the trail (everything is marked). We decided to do the loop (I think about 2-3 miles) on the 3rd of June this year. Lovely trail normally, but several avalanches had caused the downing of many trees. The trail was "open", but not cleared of the numerous trees--we had to climb over or crawl under. The avalanche areas were wide and still covered with snow, making it difficult to find the trail on the other side each time. That being said, it still was a fun adventure, just not a "walk around the lake". Perhaps the plans are to clear the destroyed trees; ask the rangers if you have any concerns.

Leigh Lake is a gorgeous crystal-clear lake in the mountains. A must see if you are in the area. It's a short hike and well worth it. We did the eight-mile hike to Trapper Lake and I would skip that part in less you plan on fishing!

The views are gorgeous and you can hike for miles and miles in the hills above the lake. There are enough people swimming too and there are nice beaches but the water seemed a bit cold to us. Refreshing for dipping feet though.

This has to be one of the best lakes I have seen. The water is Crystal clear. On a good sunny day, it's not too cole either. It was less than knee deep when we visited. A perfect spot to spend some time in tetons. On the flip side, it can be crowded. Visit early morning.

Fairly easy hiking paths from String to Leigh Lake; beautiful views everywhere!! The path around Leigh goes completely around the lake, but be sure you can make the time commitment and have plenty of water!