As a 9-mile flat dayhike, this trail would be a breeze to complete in just a few hours - but why would you? On the contrary, plan extra time for this one, as you will quickly find yourself stopping at every opportunity to view some of Grand Teton's most spectacular scenery from every possible angle and vantage point. And in the end, your mind will be overwhelmed by trying to pick just one "favorite" part of the hike. String Lake Start the trail at the String Lake trailhead, at the end of String Lake road, and pick up an illustrated trail map at the signboard for 50¢. Before heading off on the trail, descend a 50 yards to the shore of Lower String Lake for your first view - a deep green lake backed by Rockchuck Peak, Symmetry Spire, Storm Point and 12,325' Teewinot Mtn. Heading north, amble along the forested shores of Upper String Lake. Watch for deer, elk and moose along the shorelines. After a mile, the trail forks. Detour left to the wide wooden bridge that crosses String Lake Inlet and continues up Paintbrush Canyon. The see the forest of cairns dotting the rocky streambed; double back and fork right to continue on the Valley/Leigh Lake Trail. Leigh Lake Climb a slight rise, passing the canoe and kayak portage, and begin to spy brilliant blue Leigh Lake through the trees. Several faint trails descend to viewpoints and small, pebbly beaches at shoreline, granting views across the lower section of Leigh Lake, with Boulder Island, Rockchuck Peak and Mt. Woodring. For the ultimate view, continue on to another faint trail, and out onto a rocky peninsula jutting out into the lake. From here, enjoy tremendous views of Leigh Lake's multitude of colors beneath a surrounding of massive peaks. Take your time and relish the scene. Once you've torn yourself away to continue on, several more side trails will drop to the shoreline for more views, each drawing you in for a better look. Leigh Lake After another mile, pass a series of camp sites. There are bear boxes and bag poles for storage of food and packs. The lakeside here is a narrow, sandy beach that stretches the length of the camping area - another perfect distraction to draw you off the trail and soak in more views, now including 12,605' Mt. Moran, and Paintbrush and Leigh Canyons. The trail then breaks away from shoreline for a short distance, but not before offering one last, long look across the length of Leigh Lake from a rocky beach on the northern shore. Pick out Mt. Owen and Teewinot Mtn silhouetted in the distance. The trail then turns west, through grassy meadows, heading directly toward Mt. Moran and a 4-way junction. Left goes to the upper shores of Leigh Lake, right heads to a single campsite on the east side of Bearpaw Lake; continue straight, following a pointer to Trapper Lake. Fishing Reflection Curve northward again, descending slightly to a small inlet crossing at the bottom of Bearpaw Lake, traversing the western shore. Access is limited, but several clearings offer views over the lake. Trail signs direct backpackers to campsites above and below the trail, and a bear box and bag pole are available upslope. Cross the inlet bridge at the top of the lake, and ascend another slight rise to snake around to the head of Trapper Lake. Here, at the end of your route, drop your packs, settle in, and watch the reflections of mountains and clouds dance across the small lake's still waters. When you're ready to do it all over again, pick up and return by the same route. See the image gallery here. See a GPS track on Backpacker.com (coming soon). More info: nps.gov/grte