Grand tetons paintbrush divide loop12/29/2023 ![]() ![]() Once you reach the boulder field, follow the little rock towers (cairns) until you reach the lake.ĭistance: 9 miles (4. The first switchback following the junction is where you will leave the maintained trail. (While well labeled by hikers, technically you must traverse an “unmaintained” trail to reach the lake.) You will begin at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead and continue along the trail until you reach the Garnet Canyon (left) and Amphitheater Lake (right) junction, turn RIGHT towards Amphitheater. So if you’re ready for a challenge, these views are definitely worth the effort!Ī hidden gem of the Tetons, it’s hard to beat the boulder climbing hike to the turquoise waters of Delta Lake. Most avid hikers come to learn that the harder the hike, the better the view at the end - this rule of thumb holds true in GTNP. Well, lucky for you (and me!), I was fortunate enough to spend an entire summer exploring what amazing hikes Grand Teton National Park has to offer. You have a week to try to jam pack your Jackson Hole adventure with as much outdoors time as possible. and over Paintbrush Divide, at 10,720ft the highest point on the Teton Crest Trail. 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.I know how it is. Comments A well-travelled loop through some of Grand Teton's finest. At around 35km, it can be completed in a long day - but is a strenuous walk. 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. 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. 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. From here it is only around three miles to Paintbrush Canyon and the ascent begins, gradually for the time being. 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. 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. From 3,245m, the trail begins to descend again, down to Cascade Canyon. 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. Walking through the airy canyon is a delight, with almost constant views of mountains providing a backdrop to the pretty Cascade Creek. I am a bit concerned as there will only be the two of us and I keep reading that at least 3 people are recommended on this. Looks amazing and we are experienced hikers so not concerned about distance. Trail crosses a skree field that holds snow late in the year. Answer 1 of 7: We are planning the above hike in September. Trail obstacles include bridge crossings, steps, exposed roots and rocks, and steep switchbacks. 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. The Paintbrush Canyon - Cascade Canyon Loop is a very strenuous 19.9 mi (32 km) loop hike with 4,480 ft (1,365 m) elevation gain and an average slope of 9. This trail goes by Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Hitchrail, String Lake. Follow the path along the western shore of Jenny Lake northwards for around 1.7 miles, back to String Lake Trailhead. This is a moderate loop trail to Paintbrush Divide in Grand Teton National Park. A quarter mile from the trailhead, follow the signs to stay on the String Lake Trail (go right at the fork). Paintbrush Canyon From the String Lake trailhead, cross the bridge over the outlet creek from String Lake. Paintbrush Divide Loop Trail in Grand Teton National Park is one of those special trails that crosses a divide and it crosses in grand. The Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop starts and ends at the String Lake Trailhead. Then, there are a few trails that go out one drainage, cross a divide, and then continue as the trail descends into a different drainage. The route can be done in the other direction, depending on whether one prefers to ascend or descend the precipitous slopes of Paintbrush Canyon. To return to the trailhead it is just a matter of reversing the path.
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