Leigh Lake Trail

Leigh Lake Trail is one of the most beautiful and accessible lakeside hikes in Grand Teton National Park, following the eastern shore of a pristine mountain lake with magnificent reflections of Mount Moran and the central Teton peaks. The trail begins at the String Lake Trailhead and crosses the outlet connecting String Lake to Leigh Lake before tracing the boulder-strewn eastern shoreline northward.

The route is mostly flat and follows an easy path through lodgepole pine and aspen forest, with frequent openings that frame spectacular views across the water to the Cathedral Group of peaks. Mount Moran rises dramatically at the far end of the lake, its summit ice field gleaming above dark granite walls that plunge directly into the lake on its western shore. Leigh Lake is one of the largest lakes in the park and one of the least crowded, offering a peaceful alternative to the busy Jenny Lake area. Sandy beaches along the shore provide ideal spots for picnicking, swimming, or simply sitting in contemplation of the mountain scenery. The lake is also a popular canoe and kayak destination, with a portage route from String Lake allowing paddlers to explore its remote northern reaches and access Trapper Lake beyond. Moose frequently wade in the marshy shallows at the north end of the lake, and ospreys can often be seen diving for fish over the clear water. The trail terminates near Bearpaw Lake campsite, a designated backcountry site with exceptional views.