Enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery that Grand Teton National Park has to offer by taking a hike up Paintbrush Canyon! This grueling trail takes you through a stunning pine forest and beautiful meadows of wildflowers, past a gorgeous waterfall to a stunning alpine lake, and then to the top of a mountain pass with incredible views of the Teton Range.
It is hard to pick a favorite trail in Grand Teton so I’m not even going to try, but this one is near the top of my list. I have hiked this trail several times and am always speechless because of the rugged and raw majesty of these mountains. Making it to the top of the Paintbrush Divide never gets old…partly because of how much work it is to get there, but mostly because of how breathtakingly beautiful it is.
My goal with this trail report is to give you the confidence and information you will need to complete this hike. Follow along with me as I take you on the trail up Paintbrush Canyon!
What You Need to Know About Hiking Paintbrush Canyon
- Hiking the Grand Tetons can be a challenge, so be sure to come prepared.
- Make sure that each member of your party is carrying plenty of water.
- Refuel your body consistently with high-protein snacks as well to keep your energy levels up!
- Snow can be found along this trail even into August! Always check the trail conditions before starting your hike, and use the proper equipment (crampons, ice axes, etc.) for the conditions.
- The Paintbrush Canyon Trail is 16 miles roundtrip from the beginning of the trail to the top of the Paintbrush Divide. For a shortened version, consider hiking to Holly Lake which is 13 miles roundtrip, or hiking in for just a few miles and then turning around when you want! This trail is beautiful even if you don’t hike to the very end.
Paintbrush Canyon
The hike up Paintbrush Canyon begins at String Lake, with two different trailheads to choose from. You can park at the String Lake Trailhead and hike around the backside of the lake, or you can park at the Leigh Lake Trailhead (just up the road) and hike next to String Lake for nearly a mile before the trail starts heading into the canyon.
This trail is strenuous. The only relatively flat parts of the trail are at the very beginning near String Lake and then again after a short uphill ascent to reach the mouth of Paintbrush Canyon.
The lower section of the Canyon winds through a fragrant pine forest and is mostly shaded. Be on the lookout for huckleberry bushes along the way (although you should never eat a berry that you can’t identify!).
After the pine forest, the climb begins! This trail gains 2600 feet of elevation in the 4.9 miles to Holly Lake (near the end of the Canyon). Take your time and enjoy the views — this is a truly spectacular hike to some of the most beautiful mountain alpine landscapes you will ever experience. We were jumping for joy because of its beauty! (Cheesy, I know).
The trail follows the rushing river most of the way. I love the view of this enormous and stunning waterfall during the hike across a small boulder field. Ankles beware! Take your time through this section to avoid injury.
The views down into the valley below are phenomenal! After a particularly strenuous stretch of trail, it is very rewarding to look back and see how far you’ve come. The lakes in the distance are Leigh Lake and Jackson Lake. It is not uncommon for the air to be hazy in Grand Teton late into the summer months because of nearby forest fires.
From the top of the ridge, you have nearly made it to Holly Lake! This lake is a spectacular destination and is a great turning around point if you are not planning on continuing up the Paintbrush Divide. Be sure to stop, rest, drink plenty of water, and eat some good, hearty snacks to reward your body for being so awesome!
Holly Lake is a stunning and crystal clear alpine lake that provides incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Watch for pikas and marmots on the rocks that line the shore!
From Holly Lake, it is time to make a decision. Are you going to continue on to the notorious Paintbrush Divide? Hiking to the Divide adds another 1.5 miles one way and 1300 feet of elevation gain to your already strenuous hike.
How does the weather look? If there are thunderstorms possible, you definitely do not want to be on top of the 10,720-foot Paintbrush Divide! Do you feel like you can tackle a steep climb up a talus slope and possibly several snowfields?
If you have decided to continue on to the top from Holly Lake, you will climb another ridge overlooking Paintbrush Canyon below.
As you continue to climb, you will get your first peek of the Grand Teton from the trail!
Traveling up the trail, it is not uncommon to hit snow. This picture was taken at the beginning of August, so as you can see there is a good possibility that the snow will exist all summer long.
My biggest piece of advice before attempting this trail is to check the Jenny Lake Climbing Ranger’s Trail Condition Blog. These rangers are amazing at hitting the backcountry trails and assessing the conditions for all of us. Based on their recommendations, I knew that there would be snow but that we would not need ice axes to cross it.
Trekking poles are a huge help for stabilization on this part of the trail as well. I would be lying if I said that this section doesn’t scare me just a bit!
The picture below provides a great representation of the trail to the top of the Paintbrush Divide. This part of your hike is on an incredible rocky pathway that cuts into the steep mountain slopes.
The elevation is too high for trees to grow! From here, you will feel exposed to the elements, which is why I would never recommend hiking up to the top during a thunderstorm.
The views from the top are AMAZING! BREATHTAKING! MIND-BLOWING! I love the feeling of being on top of the world and looking down on what I just climbed. Enjoy the gorgeous 360-degree vistas from the top of the Paintbrush Divide!
Now, I have one last insider tip. If time allows, continue along the trail past the Divide for a few minutes. Before you begin the rocky descent into Cascade Canyon, you will come upon a charming meadow with a small snow-fed stream and some of the most spectacular views of the Teton Range that you will ever see!
Getting Here
From Jackson, head north on US-191 until you get to the Moose Junction. Take a left at the junction, pay the entrance fee at the entrance station, and then continue on for 10 miles until you see the road to North Jenny Lake on your left. Turn here and take a right at the stop sign to follow the road to the String Lake area.
The String Lake Trailhead is the first parking lot you will see. If you want to take my recommendation and start at the Leigh Lake Trailhead, continue driving to the parking lot at the end of the road. After parking, walk past the bathrooms to find the trailhead marker on your right. This trail will take you toward Leigh Lake but will branch off to your left and cross a bridge to take you up Paintbrush Canyon.
Happy Trails! Have you hiked this trail? Are you planning a trip and have questions about the Grand Teton area? Let me know in the comments below!
More Grand Teton Trip Planning Information
Grand Teton Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Grand Teton — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Grand Teton? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Grand Teton — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Grand Teton Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
This post may contain affiliate links. Dirt In My Shoes gets paid a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you purchase from these links. Thanks for your support!
Hi! Thanks for the useful info you provided in your article. I am trying to decide whether to do this Paintbrush Divide/Cascade Canyon Loop or the Teton Crest trail starting from Rendezvous Mountain and going down Paintbrush Divide back to our car. The plan is to do this in the first or second week of August. Have you done both, and which route would you recommend?
If you have time to do the Teton Crest, that’s the one I’d choose. It’s more diverse and you’ll still see most of what you would see doing the Cascade Canyon/Paintbrush Loop plus a whole lot more!
Hurricane pass, South Cascade, and North Cascade are truly worth seeing. I’m coming back at some point just to do paint brush because both times I have done the Crest trail it’s either been raining or the first time I’m going to cross it was snowing and blowing like 40-50 mph. The day before it was I would guess around 70° and sunny on Hurricane pass, but the next day when and I had to go over paint brush it was cold and nasty so I didn’t get to see any of the views.
By the way my trip was in mid August.
Hi Ash,
My girlfriend and I want to take my sister on her first backpacking experience. She’s super athletic but not an experienced through-hiker. We were thinking that the Paintbrush-Cascade loop would be an amazing first experience for her, but she’s only available for the hike in Early June (week of the 7th, I believe). I’ve read that it can be dangerous at that time, without proper gear and training. Would you recommend hiking into Paintbrush as far as possible, and turning around if we get into deep snow? Do you know of any other multi-day backpacking opportunities at lower elevations?
You’re going to hit a bunch of snow in the backcountry at that time of year in the Tetons, no matter the trail! The Paintbrush Divide requires an ice ax usually well into July, so I wouldn’t attempt going very far on that one. If you’re set on the Tetons, you might consider getting a campsite in the lower areas of the park and then dayhiking into the nearest canyon. For example, you could get a site at Phelps Lake and then spend the day exploring Death Canyon. Or the Lower Paintbrush sites may be snow-free, and then you could dayhike into Paintbrush Canyon. But yeah, that time of year is typically very snowy in the mountains still!
Hey!
I am currently planning on doing this hike in late August and had a question about footwear. My hiking boots are 8+ years old and have just about had it. However, they are bit expensive to replace. So, I was wondering hiking boots are an essential at this time of year or if a good pair of sneakers would be appropriate. Thank you!
If you plan on hiking up the Paintbrush Divide, you’ll want hiking boots with good traction for the loose rock and snow/ice that can cover the trail there at the end. If you’re just wanting to go to Holly Lake and feel comfortable in your sneakers, you’d probably be fine. But I personally wouldn’t try to go up the pass without really good shoes!
I’d like to bike on the trails. I downloaded your 2 day itenerary, how can I include biking into one of the 2 days. Also where are bike rentals located?
Thanks again
Hey Laura, please send an email to ash{at}dirtinmyshoes{dot}com regarding questions specific to the itinerary :)
Thank you for your help! Are there any guided hiking tours for paintbrush canyon, I’d like to hike but with someone professional? Thanks!!
Hey Laura,
There are guided hiking tours available in the Grand Teton area, but you’ll want to reach out to the companies directly to see if they travel up Paintbrush Canyon. Have fun!
Ash
We will be there next two weeks. July 20 through August 3.rd. I have crampons and walking poles. Do you think ice axe is necessary? Thank you. Did paintbrush 115 years ago want to go again.
Check the Teton Climbing Rangers blog for current conditions: http://tetonclimbing.blogspot.com/ If there’s still a good deal of snow, I’d definitely take an ice ax and know how to use it. Have fun!
Did you need crampons? I’m hoping to do this a month from now. I’m guessing early June will still be very heavy on the snow.
Yes, for sure! It’s usually still snowy well into July and an ice ax will be required this early in the season!
Crampons or would microspikes do?
You’ll likely need crampons that early in the season — it will be completely covered in snow and you’re on a very steep slope.
Is early to mid may a good time to do this ?
This trail will likely still be covered in a good amount of snow during the month of May!
Great web site, thanks. 4 of us are planning a 3 day 2 night hike in the Paintbrush loop. Our average age is about 69, but we’ve backpacked in 8 national parks so far.
So you have any recommendations as to what campsites are best in the Holly Lake area? I know there’s a camping zone, but I also see a few campsites just out of the zone. Any suggestions?
For our second night we’re planning on the North Cascade zone. We’re hoping to really enjoy the breathtaking scenery that you described.
Thanks, Gordie
You’ll love it! The spots right near Holly Lake are beautiful and are probably the ones you are seeing that are not in a colored camping zone. There are only two or three spots right near the lake, but if you can snag one then that’s what I’d do. Otherwise, I’d aim for Upper Paintbrush. Enjoy!
3 of us spent 1 night at the Holly Lake campsite. Woke up the next morning to a bright blue sky. It was one of the most beautiful sights in the world. Definitely worth the trip.
Hi Ash,
Your site has been a great help, just purchased the 3-day Grand Teton itinerary. I hiked Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude with my oldest son in 2006. Returning in early August with some Boy Scouts and we are seriously considering hiking Paintbrush to Lake Solitude and out through Cascade Canyon. Is that roughly 18 miles? I’m figuring it would be a 10-12 hour day if we factor being slower than normal for altitude and steep ascent up Paintbrush Canyon? (And the fact that I am 12 years older than before and now 52 yo).
Yeah it’s a long day for sure…I’ve done it and would recommend it if you’re in good shape. The one thing that you’ll need to be careful with is the snow on the Paintbrush Divide coming up from the Paintbrush Canyon side. It often lingers into August and can be dangerous to cross, especially if you or the scouts are not experienced on steep snowy slopes. Check the Jenny Lake Climbing Ranger’s blog to see the conditions of the trail before you go. You can find the info here: http://tetonclimbingcany.blogspot.com/p/paintbrush-canyon-2018.html
Hi! Thank you for writing such a helpful article. Would it be crazy to try this trail in October? Some friends and I are hoping to go this week. The mileage, cold, and elevation don’t bother us, we just want to make sure we’re safe. The trail conditions haven’t been updated since August. Thanks!
Trail conditions probably won’t be updated until there’s a considerable amount of snow, so I’d just watch the website. You could always start it and see how far you get….it’s gorgeous the whole way! Trust your gut instinct though on the safety part. If you feel uneasy about something, it might be time to turn back. Have fun!!!!
I hiked most of the Teton Crest Trail with my daughter in August 2014, but the weather was bad (rain, blinding snow), and we only got to the forks of Cascade Canyon before deciding to hike out. I still want to at least get up to Paintbrush Divide, even though I may not do the North Fork and Solitude Lake. My daughter did complete the hike this year with my son; so I’m a bit envious, especially since they had good weather. I would like to do Paintbrush next summer (2016), and I wanted your opinion as to whether it is a good idea for a 69 year old woman to do this. My son thought the divide trail was scary, and he is a seasoned hiker/backpacker. Do you think I can do it, provided there is no snow??
I would appreciate your input. Thanks
Hey Edie! Those trails can be so hard to do in the rain/snow, so I hope you get the chance to go back when the weather is nice! My thoughts are this….I, too, would have to agree that the Paintbrush Divide is a little scary. I feel safer going up the Divide than going back down on the Paintbrush side, so my recommendation would be to go up the Divide from Paintbrush Canyon and then head down into Cascade Canyon and Lake Solitude. Doing the loop doesn’t add on much mileage and you get to see new trail!
I just went down the Paintbrush Divide a few weeks ago and I survived so it definitely is possible to go back down the same way you came up if that’s your only option. For any hiker (regardless of age) I would strongly suggest taking trekking poles for stability. I also never recommend hiking alone…especially on a trail of that difficulty.
I know a few 69 year olds that are in better shape than some of my 30 year old friends! It sounds like you are a seasoned hiker and know a thing or two about mountain trails and safety. But yes, I would try to plan your hike so that you go up the Divide from Paintbrush Canyon and go down Cascade to Lake Solitude. That is the way I will hike it from now on I think!
Wow, that was just what I wanted to hear! And I am especially glad to have info on preferred way to go – don’t need to make it any more harrowing than necessary. And that fits my plans: I would go up to Divide on Paintbrush side, hit Lake Solitude, camp in southern area of North fork of Cascade, then head for an up and back on Hurricane Pass. We saw absolutely NOTHING in the way of vistas or scenery last summer with the horrendous weather; so it is my wish to be able to see the views from both the Pass and the Divide. Tetons are my favorite; so I hope I can make this happen. And, yes, I always have trekking poles :-)
Thanks so much for your help. This is a great blog!
Your plan sounds great! I’ll be crossing my fingers for you…the views from the Divide and Hurricane Pass are incredible! Let me know if I can help out with any other questions. I look forward to hearing about your trip!