If you are feeling very ambitious, you can tackle the Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon trail in one day, but we would advise against it. How much time do you need for the Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop? We have hiked nearly every trail in the park, and, in our opinion, the Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon loop trail is the best hike in the Grand Tetons! Our favorite part of the park is the extensive network of backcountry trails that bring you away from the crowds and deep into alpine paradise. With over 300,000 acres and 200 miles of hiking trails, there is something to do for everyone, from short, easy hikes for the whole family to challenging backcountry treks. Located in western Wyoming, Grand Teton National park is renowned for its iconic rocky peaks, picturesque alpine lakes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunity for outdoor adventures. In the rest of the article, we will give you all the information you need to plan an epic backpacking trip on the Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon loop trail in the Grand Tetons! About Grand Teton National Park Yes, you can see all of these amazing sites on one trip! The Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon loop trail covers almost 22 miles and over 4,200 feet of elevation gain, so it’s a beast!īut do not be deterred because the hike features some of the best views in the Grand Tetons including Jenny Lake, Holly Lake, Paintbrush Divide, Lake Solitude, Cascade Canyon, Inspiration Point, and Hidden Falls. Go right (east) here and pass the String Lake Trail Connector and eventually turn right onto the Leigh Lake Trailhead Connector.Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop Trail 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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