String Lake is the friendliest swimming hole in Grand Teton National Park – a shallow, sun-warmed ribbon of water linking Jenny and Leigh Lakes, with the Teton peaks towering directly overhead. Because it’s shallow, its water warms more than the park’s deep glacial lakes, making it the go-to spot for families, swimmers, paddleboarders and picnickers looking to cool off beneath one of the greatest mountain backdrops in America.
This guide covers String Lake: swimming and paddling, the trails, and access. It’s part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
String Lake at a glance
- Setting: a shallow lake connecting Jenny Lake and Leigh Lake, beneath the Tetons
- Location: Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, northwestern Wyoming
- Known for: the warmest, most swimmable water in the park; paddling and family picnics
The park’s best swimming lake
Most lakes in Grand Teton are glacial and frigid, but String Lake is shallow – so its water warms enough through the summer to make swimming genuinely pleasant. Families wade and splash along its sandy, gentle shores, and the lake is a favorite for floating, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, all with the jagged Tetons rising straight ahead. It’s one of the most beloved easy-access spots in the park.
Paddling and trails
String Lake is a key link for paddlers: from here you can carry a canoe or kayak the short distance to Leigh Lake for quieter, bigger water. The String Lake Trail loops the shoreline (about 4 miles) with continuous Teton views, and connects to the Jenny Lake and Leigh Lake trail networks for longer hikes. Parking fills early in summer, so arrive early.
Getting there and what’s nearby
String Lake is in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, just north of Jenny Lake off the Teton Park Road, about 25 minutes north of Jackson. Leigh Lake, Jenny Lake and the Jenny Lake visitor area are all right next door.
Know before you go
- Arrive early: the String Lake parking area fills by mid-morning in summer.
- Still cold-ish: warmer than the glacial lakes, but mountain water – ease in.
- Bear country: carry bear spray on the trails and store food properly.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in String Lake?
Yes – String Lake is shallow, so its water warms more than the park’s deep glacial lakes, making it the best swimming lake in Grand Teton, popular with families and paddleboarders.
Can you paddle from String Lake to Leigh Lake?
Yes – it’s a short, popular portage from String Lake to the larger, quieter Leigh Lake for canoeing and kayaking.
Where is String Lake?
In Grand Teton National Park just north of Jenny Lake, off the Teton Park Road, about 25 minutes north of Jackson, Wyoming.
Related: explore the small lakes of Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
