Hiking The Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes Trail In Grand Teton National Park
The Bearpaw and Trapper Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the Teton Range, beautiful alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. This trail is known for its scenic beauty and is a relatively easy hike making it accessible to a wide range of hikers.
This out-and-back trail is approximately 9.5 miles long with little elevation change, around 250 feet. Because of its length, it is considered a moderately difficult trail, but it’s an easy hike we did in 4 hours including ample breaks to capture picturesque moments along the way.
To reach the Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes Trail, visitors should park at the String and Leigh Lakes Trailhead. This highly sought-after area in the park tends to reach its capacity quickly. Arriving earlier in the day or later in the afternoon improves the likelihood of securing a parking spot.
Hikers will traverse the path along the eastern edge of String Lake and along the forested shorelines of Leigh Lake to Bearpaw Lake. The trail ends in a meadow at the charming yet modest Trapper Lake, offering breathtaking vistas of Mount Moran.
During our trip to Grand Teton National Park, this particular hike stood out as one of the rare instances where we didn’t encounter significant wildlife, although Moose sightings are quite frequent in the vicinity. However, various avian species such as Osprey, eagles, sandhill cranes, and other waterfowl are readily observable along the trail.
It’s highly recommended to have bear spray on hand when exploring any of the park’s hiking trails. During our hike, a bear was spotted in the parking area, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and vigilance while enjoying the park’s natural beauty.
The trail offers a rewarding experience for hikers who are looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Grand Teton National Park. Along the journey, hikers will be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Teton Range and serene, captivating lakes.
This was one of our favorite hikes and should absolutely not be missed during your visit to the park. It’s a relatively easy stroll full of amazing rewards. There are multiple spots along the trail where you can easily reach the lakeshore for great views or a picnic with the family.
If you would like to spend the night backcountry campsites are available near Bearpaw and Trapper Lake. Learn about backcountry camping at Grand Teton National Park here.