Paintbrush and Cascade Canyons Loop

This is one of the most picturesque and popular overnight trails in the Tetons for a reason. The trailhead is located at the String Lake parking lot. The trail constantly changes at every turn; be ready to experience a wide variety of gorgeous scenes from lush dense forests, scattered waterfalls, impressive mountainous surroundings, crystal clear lakes, roaming wildlife, beautiful glaciers, incredible vistas, and much more.

With such amazing views this trail is extremely busy during July through August, so be prepared to plan ahead to get permits. The trail steadily climbs the whole way up Paintbrush Canyon at 4,900 feet, but if you camp you will gain this over a two day period.

After 6.2 miles, you will arrive to Holly Lake at an elevation of 9,450 feet. Holly Lake is surrounded by towering jagged peaks providing excellent backdrops for photos and views. If you are lucky enough to get one of the three campsites at Holly Lake, be sure to take advantage of this gorgeous area by experiencing the sunset and sunrise near the lake as the light during both times colorfully illuminates the surrounding peaks with a nice alpenglow. There are fish found in Holly Lake so if you are into fishing bring your rod along.

As is standard with National Parks where bears are common, you must lock your food in a bear storage whenever you aren’t around your food. Holly Lake has bear lockers, but if you have another backcountry campsite you will need to use your bear bins/containers and hang your food.

While ascending from Holly Canyon up to the Paintbrush Divide it is common that the trail will be covered in snow patches especially in the higher elevations, just be cautious and watch your step and you will be fine. If you go early in the season you may need an ice axe, check currently trail conditions with the park rangers before you go.

Paintbrush Divide has 360 degree panoramic views that do not disappoint. Be sure to have a jacket handy as you will be very exposed at 10,720 feet and the wind can get chilly.

As you descend from Paintbrush Divide you will soon see breathtaking views of the Grand Tetons from the side and down the North Fork of Cascade Canyon. After climbing down from the divide you will arrive to Lake Solitude, another impressive lake with its own beauty.

The trail continues down and eventually connects with the main portion of Cascade Canyon after 2.7 miles, take a left at the fork in the trail following the signs to Jenny Lake. You can spot several cascading falls along this upcoming stretch of the trail, hence the name of the canyon. After hiking down 4.5 miles you will come up to another fork in the trail; here, follow the signs towards Leigh and String Lakes (left from the main trail) to hike around Jenny Lake.

After another 1.7 miles, you'll arrive back at the String Lake parking lot. Be sure to take some time after you return to your car to stop by Jenny Lake to soak in the beauty of this lake nestled near the prominent Teton Mountains.