Leigh Lake is the serene, larger neighbor of String and Jenny Lakes – a clear glacial lake spread beneath the massive face of Mount Moran in Grand Teton National Park. Reached by an easy walk and beloved by paddlers, it offers sandy beaches, backcountry campsites, and some of the most beautiful, least-crowded shoreline in the Tetons.
This guide covers Leigh Lake: the paddling and swimming, the backcountry camping, and access. It’s part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
Leigh Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~1,200 acres, a clear glacial lake below Mount Moran
- Location: Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, northwestern Wyoming
- Known for: easy access, sandy beaches, canoeing, and backcountry campsites
- Named for: “Beaver Dick” Leigh, the mountain guide (his wife Jenny named the neighboring lake)
Beneath Mount Moran
Leigh Lake sits directly below the broad, glacier-streaked face of Mount Moran, one of the Tetons’ most recognizable peaks, and the reflection of the mountain in the clear water is unforgettable. Reached by a flat, easy trail from the String Lake area, it feels far wilder and quieter than busy Jenny Lake, with sandy beaches and coves perfect for a swim, a picnic or simply soaking in the view.
Paddling and camping
Leigh is a favorite canoe and kayak lake – paddlers portage the short distance from String Lake and then have miles of quiet shoreline to explore beneath the peaks. The lake has coveted backcountry campsites (permit required) on its shores and islands, making it one of the best easy-access paddle-in camping spots in the park. Fishing (Wyoming license) is possible for trout and whitefish.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Leigh Lake is reached by the Leigh Lake Trail from the String Lake trailhead in Grand Teton National Park, about 25-30 minutes north of Jackson. String Lake, Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake are all nearby.
Know before you go
- Backcountry permit: required for camping at the lakeshore sites.
- Easy access: a flat walk from String Lake – bring a canoe via the short portage for the full experience.
- Bear country: carry bear spray and store food properly.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Leigh Lake?
By the flat, easy Leigh Lake Trail from the String Lake trailhead in Grand Teton National Park – a short walk, with a portage option for canoes and kayaks.
Can you camp at Leigh Lake?
Yes – it has sought-after backcountry campsites on its shores and islands, reachable by paddle; a backcountry permit is required.
Where is Leigh Lake?
In Grand Teton National Park below Mount Moran, just north of String and Jenny Lakes, about 25-30 minutes north of Jackson, Wyoming.
Related: explore the small lakes of Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
