String Lake
A breathtaking glacial lake in Grand Teton National Park, famed for its crystal-clear, shallow waters and stunning Teton mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure a good spot
String Lake
Best Time
Secure a good spot
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking glacial lake in Grand Teton National Park, famed for its crystal-clear, shallow waters and stunning Teton mountain vistas.
"This was my favorite lake of them all."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
String Lake parking lots fill up quickly! Aim to arrive by 8:30-9 AM for the best chance at a spot. 🚗
🛶 Bring Your Paddleboard!
The calm, clear, shallow waters are perfect for paddleboarding. Rentals might be available nearby. :womanpaddlingboat:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 93 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
String Lake
Experience unbelievably clear, shallow waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. See fish swim by!
Stunning Teton Views
String Lake shoreline
Marvel at breathtaking, unfiltered views of the majestic Teton Range reflected in the serene lake.
Bridge View Scenic Spot
South String Lake
A must-see viewpoint offering iconic vistas, though parking can be challenging.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to String Lake
Embrace the Cold Water Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
String Lake parking lots fill up quickly! Aim to arrive by 8:30-9 AM for the best chance at a spot. 🚗
🛶 Bring Your Paddleboard!
The calm, clear, shallow waters are perfect for paddleboarding. Rentals might be available nearby. +2 :womanpaddlingboat:
🐻 Be Bear Aware
Moose and bears are common. Carry bear spray and know safety protocols. +1 🐻
🥾 Hike the Loop Trail
Enjoy a scenic 3-mile loop around the lake with beautiful views. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
String Lake parking lots fill up quickly! Aim to arrive by 8:30-9 AM for the best chance at a spot. 🚗
🛶 Bring Your Paddleboard!
The calm, clear, shallow waters are perfect for paddleboarding. Rentals might be available nearby. +2 :womanpaddlingboat:
🐻 Be Bear Aware
Moose and bears are common. Carry bear spray and know safety protocols. +1 🐻
🥾 Hike the Loop Trail
Enjoy a scenic 3-mile loop around the lake with beautiful views. :hiking_boot:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are nice picnic areas, perfect for enjoying the scenery. Pet-friendly options available. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
String Lake is a highly recommended gem in Grand Teton National Park, praised for its stunning Teton views, crystal-clear shallow waters perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Jenny Lake. Visitors appreciate the scenic loop trail and the chance to see wildlife. However, parking is a significant challenge, often requiring very early arrival.
"Another nice lake in Grand Teton, but not as crowded. There's areas throughout the lake that can be reserved. Even if you don't reserve an area, there's a nice trail around the lake with multiple trails that divert from the main one. The lower trail is around the lake, but as you make your way around the lake, it does climb to a higher altitude that loses sight of the lake. It's still nice, but you only see grasslands in those areas."
LeWayne Ballard
"We did not spend too much time here, but the view is wonderful. We saw people swimming in the lake and a few paddle boarders. I had to see how cold it was, so I walked in a few feet. It felt refreshing! There were clean bathrooms at the parking lot and a few picnic tables. One of the volunteers came over to tell us about bear safety."
Alice Weaver
"Great family picnicking and paddleboarding lake. Unreal views and crystal clear water. Be very bear-aware, lots of them in the area."
Adam C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
String Lake is located off Teton Park Road, a few miles north of Jenny Lake. Follow signs for String Lake. Parking lots can fill up, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, there are multiple parking lots for String Lake. However, they are very popular and fill up quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends. +1
Yes, String Lake is easily accessible by car via Teton Park Road. The drive itself offers stunning views of the park.
The String Lake Trailhead and Leigh Lake Trailhead are very close to each other, within a quarter mile. For most visitors, it doesn't significantly matter which one you aim for, as parking availability is the main factor.
From Jackson, drive north on US-89/US-191/US-26. Turn onto Teton Park Road and follow signs for String Lake. The drive is scenic and takes about 45-60 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, String Lake is located within Grand Teton National Park, so a valid Grand Teton National Park entrance pass is required for all visitors.
Beyond the park entrance fee, there are no additional fees specifically for accessing String Lake itself. Parking is also free, but spots are limited.
String Lake is accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, facilities like restrooms may have seasonal closures.
While there are areas that can be reserved for groups, general access to the lake and its beaches is first-come, first-served. Arriving early is key.
Absolutely! String Lake is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering swimming, picnicking, and short hikes with incredible scenery.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
String Lake is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking, and hiking. The water is shallow and generally warmer than other lakes in the park. +3
Yes, String Lake is known for its shallow, clear, and relatively warmer waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and cooling off. +1
The water temperature at String Lake is often described as refreshing and warmer than other glacial lakes in the park, though still quite cool.
Yes, there's a scenic 3-mile loop trail around String Lake, with options to connect to other trails like the one to Leigh Lake.
Yes, String Lake is a pet-friendly area, with designated picnic spots where you can bring your furry friends. Remember to keep them leashed.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire shoreline offers stunning Teton views. The Bridge View at South String Lake is particularly iconic. Look for reflections in the calm water.
Early morning and late afternoon/early evening offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
Drone usage is restricted in Grand Teton National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check current NPS regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
The Bridge View at South String Lake is a highlight. Also, simply walking along the shore provides numerous opportunities for unique shots.
Social
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