Paintbrush divide tetons series#

Along the way a short spur trail will guide you to an immaculate high alpine lake surrounded by bold green grasses and amazing Teton peaks. Otherwise continue up the trail to the right where you’ll meander through high alpine conifers and meadows for another half-mile. If you’re on a horse or you’d prefer to skip Holly Lake (not recommended), head left. The trail finally levels out slightly as it begins a relatively straight path toward another junction. You may also notice the forest becoming thinner as you consistently gain elevation. Along the way, views of Jackson Lake and northern Jackson Hole only get better and more dramatic.

Paintbrush divide tetons series#

Soon you begin a steep ascent up a series of switchbacks. They’ll be scurrying in and out of their dens, stockpiling grasses and plants for the long winter. You’ve most likely heard their calls by this point, but thanks to rockier terrain along the trail, you should be able to catch a good glimpse of them.

It’s also in this area that you should begin to see more pica, if you haven’t already. You’ll also notice a gorgeous waterfall pouring hundreds of feet down the opposite side of the canyon. After a bit of climbing over a short switchback, you’re presented with even grander canyon views. Paintbrush Creek continues its steady downward journey over rocky constrictions as you begin a steady ascent up rockier terrain. Incredible abstract patterns in the massive cliffs could delay anyone remotely interested in geology.īeyond the meadow the canyon walls begin to close in through a narrow and lush section of the trail. Shooting up the south side of the canyon are enormous walls of layered gneiss. A large open meadow gives you your first real views of Paintbrush Canyon. Views finally begin to broaden along the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop as you enter the Lower Paintbrush Camping Zone. You’ll come around a bend in this area where Paintbrush Creek can be seen along the trail rushing furiously past. The trail also levels off for a bit, giving you a short break from the climbing. As more boulders begin to decorate the landscape though, views of Rockchuck Peak and higher elevations of the canyon begin to peek through the tops of the forest. The mouth of the canyon remains heavily forested with beautiful gushing creeks to break up the lush vegetation. Your first views of Paintbrush Canyon will be more intimate than dramatic. Those with sharp eyes and good timing, though, will be able to enjoy some ripe huckleberries along the way! Paintbrush Canyon

The trail remains densely forested for another couple of miles. The trail begins to skirt the northeastern base of Rockchuck Peak here as it winds around to the west and into Paintbrush Canyon. At about 1.6 miles in, you’ll reach a junction directing you to the right. A small pond lies below the first incline which some find to be a nice rest point if necessary. A short distance through the woods and a moderate climb begins up the base of the Teton Mountains. The trail meanders through a thick evergreen forest dotted with glacial boulders. Head left again to approach Paintbrush Canyon. The trail forks again on the other side of the bridge. Here, open views of the Tetons rise above the rushing waters. In one-tenth of a mile after the junction, a wooden bridge will bring you across the runoff from Leigh Lake as it pours into String Lake. Continue northward for about a mile and a fork will branch off to Paintbrush Canyon by going left. A calmness in the area is something that fewer and fewer people are experiencing as it grows more popular. This will give you immaculate reflections in the water and some peace and quiet in the area. To experience String Lake at its best, start early before the crowds arrive. Access the String Lake Trail by following a walkway to String Lake in the northwest part of the parking lot, then begin heading northward. In this case, park at the Leigh Lake Trailhead, doubling also as the String Lake Picnic Area. It’s also less steep going down which many people find easier on their knees. This allows for the most dramatic views of the Cathedral Group of Tetons to be in front of you while descending the North Fork of Cascade Canyon. While there is no right or wrong direction around the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop, most people prefer to ascend up Paintbrush Canyon. Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop Description