Leigh Lake
Lake Glacial lake in Grand Teton National Park
A glacial lake north of Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park popular for kayaking, shoreline hiking and fishing, with direct views of the Teton range.
Leigh Lake is a natural mountain lake in northwestern Wyoming, United States, located within Grand Teton National Park. It is one of the park’s notable backcountry and shoreline lakes.
A shallow paragraph-style summary: the lake provides broad alpine water-and-mountain scenery with views across the water to the Teton Range. Recreational use includes shoreline hiking and non-motorized boating; formal trail access is provided from nearby park trailheads.
The lake is a natural feature formed by glacial and fluvial processes typical of the Teton Range landscape. Its management and public access changed when the surrounding area was incorporated into Grand Teton National Park in the 20th century.
Sited in northwestern Wyoming, the lake sits within Grand Teton National Park in the Teton Range area of the Rocky Mountains, north of the town of Jackson and within the park’s network of lakes and trails.
- Park: Located inside Grand Teton National Park, which governs access and protections for the shoreline and surrounding trails.
How to Get to Leigh Lake #
Leigh Lake is accessed within Grand Teton National Park; drive to the park’s junctions and use the designated trailheads and paddling launch points. The nearest town with services is Jackson, Wyoming (roughly 30-40 minutes by car); consult NPS Grand Teton resources for trail maps, permits and seasonal access.
Tips for Visiting Leigh Lake #
- If planning photography, aim for early morning to catch the Tetons reflected in the lake before winds pick up.
- Boat rentals may be available seasonally-check Grand Teton National Park services if planning to head onto the water.
- Combine with a visit to nearby Jenny Lake and the park's boat shuttle system for a fuller view of the Teton range.
Best Time to Visit Leigh Lake #
Summer provides the most accessible conditions and services; shoulder seasons offer quieter vistas but more variable weather.
Weather & Climate near Leigh Lake #
Leigh Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (648 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).