![]() The route can be done in the other direction, depending on whether one prefers to ascend or descend the precipitous slopes of Paintbrush Canyon. Follow the path along the western shore of Jenny Lake northwards for around 1.7 miles, back to String Lake Trailhead. Upon reaching the junction of the North and South Forks of the Cascade Canyon Trail (known as the Canyon Fork), take a left towards Jenny Lake. Walking through the airy canyon is a delight, with almost constant views of mountains providing a backdrop to the pretty Cascade Creek. Highlights here include Lake Solitude (the biggest lake in the Grand Tetons accessible by trail) surrounded by alpine wildflowers, and the classical Rocky Mountain scenery viewed from its shores. From 3,245m, the trail begins to descend again, down to Cascade Canyon. With magnificent scenery stretching out in all directions, and a fantastic 360 degree panorama on the Divide itself, the effort expended is well worth it. It is possible to take a slight detour to see picturesque Holly Lake: just take a right turn at the Holly Lake Trail junction, 5.8 miles into the hike. From here it is only around three miles to Paintbrush Canyon and the ascent begins, gradually for the time being. The Loop begins at the Leigh Lake Trailhead, on the shores of String Lake at the String Lake picnic area, reached by taking the North Jenny Lake Junction off Teton Park Road. Panoramic views stretch out in all directions.ĭown in the canyons, there are sub-alpine forests of fir, pine and spruce, inhabited by marmots, ground squirrels and pikas (a small and very appealing relative of the rabbit) further up, glaciers dominate an alpine landscape. Circling from Leigh Lake Trailhead back around to Jenny Lake, and climbing up and down the Paintbrush and Cascade Canyons, this trail passes through rich alpine forests and, above the timberline, crosses the jagged, barren cliffs of the Paintbrush Divide. At around 35km, it can be completed in a long day - but is a strenuous walk. ![]() Hiker crosses snowfield en route to Paintbrush Divide.Despite the renown of the Teton Crest Trail (and increasingly the Grand Teton Loop), the Paintbrush Divide/Cascade Canyon Loop is becoming increasingly seen as the 'premier' hike in Grand Teton National Park. There is a popular loop trail which includes the Paintbrush Canyon Trail, Lake Solitude Trail and Cascade Canyon Trail which spans a distance of 19 mi (31 km) and has a total elevation gain of 4,900 ft (1,500 m). ![]() There are two camping zones within Paintbrush Canyon and one designated campsite at Holly Lake which are available with a permit. The east approach to Paintbrush Divide is steep and may require the use of an ice axe through July. The trails merge west of Holly Lake and it is a steady altitude gain the last 3.9 miles (6.3 km) to Paintbrush Divide. The Paintbrush Canyon Trail then enters Paintbrush Canyon and becomes steeper and then splits with one trail heading to Holly Lake and the other heading south then west. From there the trail follows the west shore of String Lake and is also known as the String Lake Trail. Access to the Paintbrush Canyon Trail is from the String Lake trailhead. The Paintbrush Canyon Trail is a 9.1-mile (14.6 km) long hiking trail in Grand Teton National Park in the U.S.
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