Second - any insight into the permit system? I see it opens up first Wednesday in January. Staying away from the solstice weekend, but plan on going to the Tetons in late July/early August for a 3 day hiking trip.įirst was thinking about Paintbrush Divide/Cascade Canyon loop - any thoughts? Seems do-able as a 3 day/2 night trip and gives us some nice views and experiences within the park. 20+ years of hiking and camping experience, but planning my first backpacking trip for Summer 2017. Go right (east) here and pass the String Lake Trail Connector and eventually turn right onto the Leigh Lake Trailhead Connector.New to the forum. 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.

Paintbrush divide trail conditions