#Indian paintbrush divide how to

#Indian paintbrush divide how to

You should also carry bear spray, and know how to use it.Īt roughly 3.9 miles the trail crosses over Paintbrush Canyon Creek, and shortly thereafter emerges into open terrain. In grizzly country it's always a good idea to travel in groups of at least three people. You'll definitely want to make a lot of noise as you pass through this section of trail. Hikers should turn right here to continue on towards Holly Lake.Īt roughly 3 miles from the trailhead, near the mouth of Paintbrush Canyon, you'll begin passing through an extremely long stretch of huckleberries, which will go on almost continuously for the next mile or so. The trail continuing straight ahead resumes the loop hike around String Lake, while the trail leading up the switchback on the right continues towards Paintbrush Canyon. At almost 1.6 miles it reaches the Paintbrush Canyon Trail junction. Although the trail sign at this junction is a little confusing, you should turn left and cross the footbridge.įrom the footbridge the trail skirts away from the lake and begins making a moderate climb through a lodgepole pine forest. A short distance from the junction the trail crosses over the Leigh Lake Outlet. To continue on towards Paintbrush Divide hikers should veer to the left and proceed towards the Paintbrush Canyon Trail.

Hikers should proceed straight ahead at this junction and continue towards Holly Lake.Īt almost nine-tenths of a mile hikers will reach the Bearpaw Lake Trail, which branches off towards the right. It's named for artist Thomas Moran whose landscape paintings were critical to the creation of Yellowstone National Park.Īt one-half mile from the trailhead hikers will pass the String Lake Horse Trail, which branches off to the right. At 12,605 feet Mount Moran is the fourth highest mountain in Grand Teton National Park. As you proceed along the shores of String Lake you'll also be treated to some absolutely stunning views of Mount Moran. Moreover, if you were to run into problems with weather or snow near Paintbrush Divide, this route would allow you to turn around and return to the trailhead faster.įrom the trailhead hikers will enjoy great views of 12,325-foot Teewinot Mountain and 11,144-foot Rockchuck Peak. The consensus opinion is that this direction offers the best views as the sun progresses across the sky. Although you can hike this loop in either direction, most people choose to hike it in a counter-clockwise direction, thus passing through Paintbrush Canyon first. Once on the path turn right and begin heading north along the eastern shore of String Lake. There is a fee for the boat ride.įrom the Leigh Lake parking area walk down along the short paved path to String Lake where you'll immediately reach the Valley Trail, also known as the String Lake Loop Trail. This option travels in a clockwise direction, thus taking you through Cascade Canyon first. If you have two vehicles in your group you'll also have the option of taking the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake which would cut-off almost one-and-a-half miles, making this an 18.3-mile hike instead of 19.7 miles. After turning right, continue for another 0.4 miles to reach the Leigh Lake Trailhead at the end of the road. Drive another 1.4 miles to the turn-off for the String Lake and Leigh Lake trailheads. To reach the trailhead turn west off Teton Park Road at the North Jenny Lake Junction, located roughly 10.6 miles north of Moose Junction, and 10 miles south of Jackson Lake Junction. This description of the Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop hike begins from the Leigh Lake Trailhead, located just north of Jenny Lake. Early season hikers should check with a ranger on trail conditions before attempting this loop. Hikers should note that snow and ice can linger at the higher elevations of this route into August. In short, weather conditions can change rapidly in Grand Teton National Park. Hikers should plan accordingly by starting their hikes early enough in order to avoid the notorious afternoon thunderstorms, and subsequent lightning risk, while hiking in exposed areas, especially near Paintbrush Divide. Either way, hikers should be prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions, including sun, wind, snow and thunderstorms. Although many people choose to do this hike in two, or even three days, many others attempt to do it in one long day. The Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop is an epic hike, in terms of both scenery and in total mileage. National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for Grand Tetons contains detailed topographic information, clearly marked trails, recreational points of interest & navigational aids.