Paintbrush Canyon Trail
Backcountry camps
Along the way South District Trailed Canyons Outlier Site
Holly Lake the Park Service's write-up
7-9 Hours · no dogs · Summer, Fall · season Holly Lake is best accessed in summer after the snow melts and in fall before the first snow arrives. Hikers should use caution when traveling over snow and not attempt Holly Lake unless they have previous snow experience and the proper equipment.
Start String Lake
Head into Paintbrush Canyon for a strenuous 13 mile hike to Holly Lake. Starting at the String Lake Trailhead, cross the bridge over the String Lake outlet, and continue along the western side of the lake. Follow Paintbrush Canyon up until you reach the Holly Lake junction. From there, it’s another half mile to the lake. This hike offers panoramic views of Paintbrush Canyon and Leigh and Jackson Lakes below.
Accessibility Holly Lake is a strenuous, 12.8 mi (20.5 km) RT out and back hike with 2,840 ft (870 m) of elevation gain and an average slope of 11%. The trail includes significant elevation gain and obstacles such as exposed roots and rocks, bridge crossings, and steep, narrow sections.
Paintbrush Canyon - Cascade Canyon Loop 20 mi loop · the Park Service's write-up
11-14 Hours · no dogs · Summer, Fall · season The 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 should use caution when traveling over snow and not attempt the Paintbrush-Cascade Loop unless they have previous snow experience and the proper equipment.
Start String Lake
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.
Accessibility 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%. 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.