Leigh Lake, Grand Teton National Park, WY

There are many lakes in Grand Teton National Park which is in Wyoming. Leigh Lake is a natural lake that is approximately two miles wide and a little bit longer than its width. This lake is southeast of Mount Moran and is reached by hiking to it. The trail is about one mile and is considered to be an easy walk with mostly level terrain. There are views of the mountain peaks to the south of the park from Leigh Lake.

The Leigh Lake Ranger Patrol Cabin is still on the northeast shore of Leigh Lake. There is construction work on the cabin to preserve it. The cabin was one of the first cabins built in the 1920's. It had been refurbished in the 1930's and remains the only example of this type of patrol cabin. The cabin has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Climbers that want to ascend Mount Moran will begin from Leigh Lake. Because it is very difficult to get to Mount Moran by land most climbers will canoe to the area. Canoes can be rented by Jenny Lake Lodge which is close to String Lake. The climbers then paddle north to Leigh Lake. After a brief portage of the canoes the mountain climbers can paddle across Leigh Lake to Mount Moran's flank.

Besides Mount Moran, Rockchuck Peak also casts its shadow over Leigh Lake. There are two canyons in this area: Paintbrush and Leigh which cut into the Teton Mountain range by the west shore of Leigh Lake. The trail to reach both String Lake and Leigh Lake is kept in great shape. There are plenty of resting spots along the trail and sandy beaches await the hikers.

There are two islands on Leigh Lake that people paddling canoes can see close up. The lake has fishing and plenty of bird watching. The wind can whip up waves on Leigh Lake especially by the west arm which leads to Leigh and Paintbrush Canyons.

Jackson Lake is another visitor destination with spectacular views of the mountain peaks. This one is easier to reach because no hiking is involved. However, visitors will find more people on this lake than Leigh Lake. Motorized boats are allowed on Jackson Lake along with canoes and kayaks. There are fees for boating on Jackson Lake unlike Leigh Lake.

Visitors to Grand Teton National Park must pay an entrance fee. A single entry is $25.00 for a seven day pass. Hikers or bikers will pay $12.00 for a seven day pass and motorcycles are $20.00. These passes are good in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. In winter Grand Teton National Park has a $5.00 per day entry fee.

Visitors to the park can find food at several restaurants and dining facilities, although if visitors are looking for camping supplies or alcoholic beverages they should stop in Jackson to purchase them. Packing the appropriate clothing for all weather conditions is suggested especially if visitors will be canoeing on Leigh Lake.