Day hike to Strawberry Lake: One of Star Valley’s Best-Kept Secrets

Some hikes just leave you swooning, and this one? This one had me completely under its spell. The trail to Strawberry Lake is one of the most magical adventures I’ve had yet in Star Valley.

Nestled deep in the Bridger-Teton National Forest just east of Bedford, Wyoming, this 7-mile round trip hike climbs roughly 1,500 feet, with most of the gain packed into the final mile 😅 But trust me, the reward at the top is straight out of a dream.

Picture this:

Mountains blanketed in green, sprinkled with wildflowers, waterfalls bursting from the mountainsides, a babbling creek at your feet, jagged rocks and distant caves begging to be explored, and butterflies dancing around your boots. All of it framed by majestic peaks that make you want to summit every single one someday. It’s the kind of trail that makes you believe in magic.

This weekend, Vance was working in Idaho, but I managed to recruit a coworker to join me, and he brought along his German shepherd, Ace, who instantly became our trail guardian. He’d run ahead, explore, then circle back to check on me like a seasoned guide. 🐾

Getting There: Parking & Road Conditions

The trailhead starts near Strawberry Reservoir at the coordinates:
📍 42.906843761383485, -110.85575093101124

The dirt road leading there is gnarly, bumpy, narrow, slow-going, and very brushy (prepare for some paint scratches). I followed the pact I made with Vance and parked about 0.25 miles from the trailhead, because I hit a spot that would’ve required engaging 4×4. I’ve committed to only using 4×4 to get myself out, not in, which feels like a smart move when driving solo into the Wyoming mountains.

Surprisingly to me, my coworker made it up in his AWD Ford Escape without incident, though I wouldn’t count on that luck for everyone. Not something I would advise, but hey, it worked for him! If you’ve got a side-by-side or ATV, this road is much more their speed.

Trail Overview

  • 📍 Location: Strawberry Creek Trail, near Bedford, WY
  • 🥾 Distance: 7 miles round trip
  • ⛰ Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft (most in the final mile)
  • ⏱ Time: 4 hours of hike time at a steady but relaxed pace
  • 💪 Difficulty: Moderate overall, with the last mile solidly in the “strenuous” zone
  • 👥 Crowd Level: Very quiet, only passed two hikers and a group on horseback (jealous!)
  • 📶 Cell Service: None, on the dirt road in or on the trail
  • 🐾 Wildlife: No sightings this time, but plenty of tracks
  • 💦 Water: Lots of stream access for filtering
  • 🧭 AllTrails Route: Link to My Hike Data

Pro Tips Before You Go:

  • 🧭 Download the trail map ahead of time. There’s no cell service on the drive in or during the hike.
  • 🥤 Bring Water: I carried 2.5L and that was plenty.
  • 🥾 Trekking poles aren’t necessary but can be super helpful on that last steep mile, especially for the descent.
  • 📅 Mid to late summer is ideal, snow should be gone, wildflowers are peaking. Earlier means snow or muddy trails.
  • 🌞 Sun Protection: That final mile is steep, exposed, and toasty in July.
  • 🧥 Rain Gear: I always pack a raincoat just in case.
  • 🧰 First Aid + Moleskin: Better safe than sorry.
  • 🐻 Bear Spray: Yep, I had it.
  • 🍫 Snacks: Always.
  • 🎒 Wish I’d Brought: My drone. Next time!
  • 👙 Swim Suit: The lake was so tempting. One of these days I’ll remember mine!

Is Strawberry Lake Worth the Struggle? (Yes.)

Star Valley just keeps raising the bar. Every canyon I explore here feels like a new chapter in the most beautiful fairytale, and this one might be my favorite yet. If you’re looking for a quiet, rewarding hike with jaw-dropping scenery and a touch of magic, Strawberry Lake should be on your list.