![]() ![]() I hiked this loop while on a summer roadtrip to Wyoming with my mother. This hike also traverses grizzly country, so it's a good idea to carry bear spray and to travel in groups. ![]() Hikers need to also be aware that afternoon summer thunderstorms are common in the Rockies it's best to be off high, exposed areas like Paintbrush Divide in the afternoon. Snow lingers on exposed portions of the trail near Paintbrush Divide until August most years it's highly advisable to bring an ice axe and to know how to use it if you're hiking the trail earlier in the summer. Best done counterclockwise, this loop is a popular backpacking trip but can be feasibly be done in a long day by very fit hikers. This loop through two canyons in the Teton Range, visits two alpine lakes nestled high in the range, crosses a 10,700-foot pass, and packs in views of magnificent Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Mount Moran from all angles. The Paintbrush Divide-Cascade Canyon Loop visits spectacular alpine terrain in the heart of Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, with jaw-dropping views of soaring mountains and explosive displays of wildflowers in midsummer that make this one of the better hikes on the continent. Go right (east) here and pass the String Lake Trail Connector and eventually turn right onto the Leigh Lake Trailhead Connector.The Tetons rise above the meadowed slopes of Cascade Canyonġ9.5 miles loop, 4000 feet elevation gainĭifficulty: Strenuous potentially difficult and dangerous snow sections before AugustĪccess: Paved road to trailhead, Grand Teton National Park entrance fee required This trail follows along the western shore of Jenny Lake to a junction with String Lake Trail. Go left, cross a bridge, then take another left onto Jenny Lake Trail. Take this trail for an up close and personal view of the massive waterfall.Īfter a short descent from the falls you'll reach a trail heading to the Jenny Lake boat dock. Not too long after you'll pass by Hidden Falls Spur. Just prior to reaching Jenny Lake, take in the awesome views at Inspiration Point, an amazing overlook with sweeping views over the lake. Once at the fork of North and South Cascade, turn left (east) and head down Cascade Cascade Canyon Trail to the Jenny Lake boat dock. Grand Teton is constantly looming overhead on this trail, an awesome view you might miss if you do this route the other direction. Over time Lake Solitude has become one of the most heavily trafficked routes in the park, so don't expect total solitude here.Īfter taking in the views from the lake, head down North Fork Cascade Canyon. For the majority of this descent you can see both Lake Solitude, Mica Lake and Grand Teton. The trail is well-contoured up to the divide somewhat offsetting the presence of snow.Īfter some great views from the divide, head down an equally, if not more scenic route down to Lake Solitude. The divide is north-facing, so plan for snow (an ice axe may be necessary through July here). Paintbrush Canyon climbs for ~1 more mile, rises above treeline, and gains Paintbrush Divide (10,700'). After a nice break, continue up this trail and rejoin Paintbrush Canyon. Continue up this steep climb to this crystal clear lake set in the shadow of Mount Woodring (11,591'). When you hit the junction for Holly Lake trail, you can continue up the canyon, but it's recommended that you head to Holly Lake to get some great lakefront views. In addition to great views, this canyon is teeming with wildflowers, specifically Indian Paintbrush - this canyon's namesake. The higher you ascend, the more the forest starts to thin out and the more colorful your surroundings will become. Turn right (northwest) and start your ascent of Paintbrush Canyon. Continue through this mature forest until you reach an intersection with Paintbrush Canyon trail. Immediately after this junction you'll cross a long, trussed footbridge and enter some deep forest. Initially String Lake Trail is doubletrack, but after turning left (west) at the junction of Leigh Lake Trail, the trail becomes singletrack. These views are best during the morning hours when the skies tend to be clearer. From here, soak up the awesome views of the surrounding Teton Range just across String Lake. Starting from Leigh Lake Trailhead, head west on Leigh Lake Trailhead Connector, then head immediately north onto String Lake Trail. ![]()
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