Teton Tri (Kayaking/Paddleboarding, Biking, Hiking) - String Lake, Grant Teton NP 7/28/25

Emily Hacken
Aug 26
3 min read

Sample Itinerary :

Teton Tri around String Lake (kayak, hike, bike)

8 am - Pick up kayak/paddleboard permits at the Craig Thomas Visitors Center

8:30 am - Get boats inspected across the street to the north at the AIS station

9 am - Drive to String Lake parking lot (fills up quickly - good to go early)

9 - 12:30 pm - Hike to Inspiration Point

12:30 - 1 pm - lunch

1-3:30 pm - Kayak/Paddleboard String Lake with optional traverse to Leigh Lake

4-6 pm - Bike from String Lake to Geraldine Lucas Homestead (ghost town) and back

Directions:

Teton Tri - String Lake parking lot (starting location for all activities)

Hike - Inspiration Point

Kayak - Put in; Leigh Lake traverse

Biking - Geraldine Lucas Homestead

Cost:

$25 kayak/paddleboard use permit (AIS inspection free at south visitors center)

Activities:

Hiking - Inspiration Point from String Lake - 5 miles round trip. Trailhead is HERE or you can start at the Hidden Falls Trailhead in the east parking lot. Hike the String Lake Loop heading south and then west along the south side of String Lake (until about the middle of the south end traverse) and then take a left onto the Jenny Lake Loop Trail. Follow this along the north west shore of Jenny Lake until you pass the Boat Dock. Turn right onto North Cascade Creek trail to the South Cascade Creek Trail to Hidden Falls (2 miles one way). Continue 0.4 miles up the trail up to Inspiration Point. You can return the same way back or do a loop to the north along the Horse Trail to String Lake Trail.

Kayaking/Paddleboarding - String Lake - Boat launch HERE. Paddle around the main lake and then north to the top of String Lake. Lots of places to have a lunch or hammock. 1 1/4 mile one way to the top of String Lake. If you have time you can traverse to Leigh Lake HERE. Takes about 5 min along a slightly uphill dirt trail. Put in for Leigh Lake is about 30 steps down a slope to the water. Leigh lake is HUGE and there are camping spots available with a permit if you want an overnight option.

Biking - String Lake to Geraline Lucas Homestead - 7 miles total out and back. Leave from String Lake parking lot. Start on the String Lake Rd east and turn right on Jenny Lake Loop. Paved trail with large bike lane on the left. Trail goes through the woods with Jenny Lake on your right. Great viewpoint at Jenny Lake Overlook along the way. Follow road out onto the Teton Park Road. This section is tricky because there is no bike lane. Follow the road south and take the Jenny Lake Entrance Road. When you see the bike racks on your left, turn onto the Grand Teton NP Pathway heading south. This road is paved all the way to the turnoff for the Geraldine Lucas Homestead. You can lock your bikes here to a very small bike rack or walk them along the dirt trail about 5 min across 2 small bridges to the cool abandoned cabins. Great spot for snacking and photos.

Gear:

Hiking Gear: Running shoes, hiking shorts, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, 2 L water, backpack, snacks, sunscreen, hat, jacket, rain jacket

Kayaking/Paddleboarding Gear: sandals (NOT flipflops), swimming suit, shorts, synthetic t-shirt (NOT cotton), long sleeve synthetic shirt, rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, 2-4 snacks, 1-2 L water (in water bottles NOT camelbaks), waterproof case for camera, kayaks/paddleboard, paddles, life jackets

Biking Gear: Running shoes, shorts, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, helmet, bike, bike pump/repair kit, bike lock

Hiking - Inspiration Point