About
Length19.9 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain4,480 ft up
Typical time12 hr 30 min
TrailheadString Lake trailhead
SurfaceCanyon trail, scree, a steep snow-prone divide
Best seasonThe Paintbrush-Cascade Loop is best accessed in summer after the snow melts, and in fall before the first snow arrives. Paintbrush Divide is a steep divide and often holds snow until July. Hikers s...
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe 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%. Trail obstacles include bridge crossings, steps, exposed roots and rocks, and steep switchbacks. Trail crosses a skree field that holds snow late in the year.
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views🏞️ Lake🌼 Wildflowers🎒 Backpacking

This very strenuous 20 mile loop takes you up Paintbrush Canyon, over Paintbrush Divide to Lake Solitude, and down Cascade Canyon. The trail offers some of the most spectacular views in the park, with the 10,700ft Paintbrush Divide offering panoramic views of Mount Moran, Mount Woodring, and Rockchuck Peak. From Lake Solitude, hikers have a direct view of the Grand Teton and Mount Owen. Hikers should plan on a full day to hike the loop. Before attempting the loop, stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a ranger about conditions on Paintbrush Divide, as the divide often holds snow until mid-July and can be dangerous if attempted without the proper snow equipment.

Tips
Paintbrush Divide usually holds a steep snowfield into August and the park recommends an ice axe until it melts out. Twenty miles and 4,480 feet makes for a very long day; most people split it with a night at Holly Lake.
Location

Showing Grand Teton National Park — we don't have this trail's own trailhead coordinates yet.

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