![]() Of course, the loop is almost 20 miles and you gain about 4,000 feet of elevation, so you’ll feel some pain once you get home. You’ll see some of the most beautiful terrain in the park. From there, you descend to Lake Solitude and follow Cascade Canyon back to Jenny Lake. This kind of hike is just what the Tetons are all about! You’ll hike up Paintbrush Canyon, past Holly Lake, and cross Paintbrush Divide. The Lake Solitude / Paintbrush Divide loop is one of the most dynamic all-around hikes in the Tetons, offering two gorgeous alpine lakes, fantastic views from 10,700 feet above sea level, and a good chance to see wildlife. These parking lots get very busy, as String Lake is a popular picnic spot, so get here early! You can also access this hike coming from Moose in the South.The Paintbrush Divide – Lake Solitude Loop Posted by Jim Steele on August 26th, 2008 filed in Grand Teton National Park ![]() ![]() Continue as far as you can and park in the shade. After turning right you will see signs towards the parking area, however to minimize the total hiking around the lake, you should continue straight towards the additional parking area. After nearly 17.0 km, turn right onto Jenny Lake Rd. At the first intersection, turn right down Teton Parkway towards Jenny Lake. Getting to the Paintbrush Divide Trailheadįrom Colter Bay, head south down the John D. Chances are you will need a warm jacket and a windbreaker at the top – it gets breezy.It is a lot easier to hike in the cool morning than in the hot afternoon. String Lake is a wonder to swim in, and you will be sticky and sweaty after a long 30.0 km day! However each hike is so stunning that they warrant doing on separate days. However, one option is to combine this hike with Cascade Canyon by descending to Solitude Lake, then taking the trail to Jenny Lake. Return the way you came and be careful on the scree slope. You will also be able to see a glimpse of Mount Owen and Grand Teton at the far end of the valley. Descending less than 100 m, look down to the right to find the larger Lake Solitude, and above it – below a cirque – the green Mica Lake. You can continue down part of the way towards Solitude Lake and get a view down the North Fork of Cascade Canyon. Looking down and to the left you can see the tiny, teal Grizzly Bear Lake, and the start of yet another canyon. Woodring will become apparent, as will the true expanse of the Teton Range, including the menacing face of “The Jaw” back the way you came. Upon arriving at the wide, gentle plateau that is Paintbrush Divide you will be readily rewarded with stunning views down Paintbrush Canyon. Because this is a north facing aspect expect snow early in the season, and come prepared with ice axe and crampons. The trail, however, is quite well managed and switchbacks up nicely. The last 2.5 km of the ascent to Paintbrush Divide is through a large screen slope. Grizzly and brown bears frequent the area past Holly Lake, so bring bear spray, hike in a group, and make some noise. Past Holly Lake you will be fully in the alpine, with unbelievable views of the jagged Teton Ridges that line your vision. Woodring in Holly Lake, however, is easily worth it. This deviation does not add extra distance to your hike, it only makes part of the trail a little steeper. The only deviation in the trail up to Paintbrush Divide is the small fork that leads to Holly Lake, which rejoins the main trail after less than 2.0 km. Ask any of them if you need motivation, and they will rave about the views from Paintbrush Divide. Odds are you will pass backpackers finishing the Teton Crest Trail. We saw several berry pickers out, grabbing wild huckleberries.įor approximately the first 7.0 km of the hike, you’ll climb through the forest with few views except the wealth of lush forest around you. The trail starts the climb through the forest, keeping you cool as you go. Now you are on the main trail up Paintbrush Canyon, and have no more major intersections to worry about. ![]() Again follow the signs for Paintbrush Divide and turn right. The signs will point towards Paintbrush Canyon and Paintbrush Divide, and each intersection is well marked.Īfter crossing the bridge climb gently around the lake until you reach another junction. You will continue around the water, crossing a wide wooden bridge over the stream that connects Leigh Lake to String Lake. Regardless of where you park, head towards the lake and turn right. ![]()
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