Woodring and the less-traveled terrain of the northern Teton range. And the views of the mountains from the divide are fantastic, particularly of Mt. On the divide, you’ll look down on Grizzly Bear Lake, Mica Lake and Mink Lake, as well as Lake Solitude. From a distance, you’ll see Leigh Lake and Jackson Lake as you climb Paintbrush Canyon. You’ll also hike along Jenny Lake and near the shores of String Lake. There are plenty of campsites along this trip – Paintbrush Canyon has backcountry camping zones above and below Holly Lake, and there is another below Lake Solitude in the North Fork of Cascade Canyon.Īlong the way, you’ll walk right by two gorgeous alpine lakes: Holly Lake and Lake Solitude. This trip can be done as a day hike, but you’ll also run into a bunch of people that make it an overnighter. 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.
Go right (east) here and pass the String Lake Trail Connector and eventually turn right onto the Leigh Lake Trailhead Connector.The Paintbrush Divide – Lake Solitude Loop Posted by Jim Steele on August 26th, 2008 filed in Grand Teton National Park This trail follows along the western shore of Jenny Lake to a junction with String Lake Trail. Go left, cross a bridge, then take another left onto Jenny Lake Trail. Take this trail for an up close and personal view of the massive waterfall.Īfter a short descent from the falls you'll reach a trail heading to the Jenny Lake boat dock. Not too long after you'll pass by Hidden Falls Spur. Just prior to reaching Jenny Lake, take in the awesome views at Inspiration Point, an amazing overlook with sweeping views over the lake. Once at the fork of North and South Cascade, turn left (east) and head down Cascade Cascade Canyon Trail to the Jenny Lake boat dock. Grand Teton is constantly looming overhead on this trail, an awesome view you might miss if you do this route the other direction. Over time Lake Solitude has become one of the most heavily trafficked routes in the park, so don't expect total solitude here.Īfter taking in the views from the lake, head down North Fork Cascade Canyon. For the majority of this descent you can see both Lake Solitude, Mica Lake and Grand Teton.
The trail is well-contoured up to the divide somewhat offsetting the presence of snow.Īfter some great views from the divide, head down an equally, if not more scenic route down to Lake Solitude. The divide is north-facing, so plan for snow (an ice axe may be necessary through July here). Paintbrush Canyon climbs for ~1 more mile, rises above treeline, and gains Paintbrush Divide (10,700'). After a nice break, continue up this trail and rejoin Paintbrush Canyon. Continue up this steep climb to this crystal clear lake set in the shadow of Mount Woodring (11,591'). When you hit the junction for Holly Lake trail, you can continue up the canyon, but it's recommended that you head to Holly Lake to get some great lakefront views.
In addition to great views, this canyon is teeming with wildflowers, specifically Indian Paintbrush - this canyon's namesake. The higher you ascend, the more the forest starts to thin out and the more colorful your surroundings will become. Turn right (northwest) and start your ascent of Paintbrush Canyon. Continue through this mature forest until you reach an intersection with Paintbrush Canyon trail. Immediately after this junction you'll cross a long, trussed footbridge and enter some deep forest. Initially String Lake Trail is doubletrack, but after turning left (west) at the junction of Leigh Lake Trail, the trail becomes singletrack. These views are best during the morning hours when the skies tend to be clearer. From here, soak up the awesome views of the surrounding Teton Range just across String Lake. Starting from Leigh Lake Trailhead, head west on Leigh Lake Trailhead Connector, then head immediately north onto String Lake Trail.
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