![]() The first time I attempted this hike we were not able to complete it due to snow, but it was still a nice hike up Paintbrush Canyon and back down (pictures at bottom of page).īeginning at dawn allows you the most time to optimize daylight so that you have plenty of time to complete the hike. It is best to wait until mid-July to attempt this hike, and maybe into August depending on the spring snowfall. The total elevation gain is over 4000 feet. This trail also includes Holly Lake and Lake Solitude. This is a 20-mile loop up Paintbrush Canyon, over Paintbrush Divide, and down Cascade Canyon. We did this hike in late June and encountered some decent snowfields near the Holly Lake Junction.If you can do the mileage and the elevation, this is a classic Teton hike with great views, wildflowers, and scenery. Keep an eye on the sky, if it starts to look like thunderstorms, don’t hang around to find out.Ī quick note: There can be significant snow pack well into July. It is worth noting that afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Tetons. I recommend taking this route, as the views are much better.Īfter refueling your mind and body start heading back down. We veered right towards the eastern shore of the lake and sat on a boulder for our lunch break. You are most likely hungry and in need of a little rest. You finally made it! Holly Lake lies just below the slopes of the 11,590 foot Mt Woodring. Continue for another half mile to the lake. Don’t confuse this with Holly Lake or you might be disappointed. Just after the junction the trail passes a small pond on the left. The trail to the left leads to Lake Solitude, but that’s another adventure. Hikers should stay right towards Holly Lake. Although not needed, hiking poles could be useful.īetween 6 and 6.5 miles into the hike you will reach Holly Lake Junction. This portion of the trail has significant elevation gain through boulder fields and is a strenuous part of the hike. If you are hiking in the early summer and the snowmelt is flowing, you should look for waterfalls on either side of the trail. This is a good place to spot a moose, although I haven’t been as lucky. The rushing water of the creek should be a good indication that you have a somewhat strenuous adventure ahead of you.Īs you hike up, the creek will remain on your left and mostly hidden by willows. You will have great views of the canyon with its wildflowers as well as great vistas of the valley below. Make sure you make a lot of noise through this stretch of your hike and have your bear spray handy.Īround 4 miles into the trail you will cross Paintbrush Canyon Creek before emerging into the open terrain of the canyon. Bears love huckleberries as much as we do or more. Enjoy the shade of through this part of the trail, soon you will reach Paintbrush Canyon and will be bathed by the sun.Īs you reach the mouth of the canyon, 3 miles in, you will pass through a long stretch of Huckleberry bushes. This time stay left to continue onto the Paintbrush Canyon Trail. As you gain elevation you will also begin to see beautiful panoramas of the valley lakes below.Ībout 1.6 miles into your adventure you will reach another trail split. The next 1.3 miles take you along the ridge of the lake through aspen groves. If in doubt, look for a trail sign that points you in the “right” direction. About a third of a mile in, you will reach a split in the trail, stay right to continue along the western shore of String Lake. Take the footbridge across the creek to the western side of String Lake. ![]() Once at the trailhead you will walk down a paved path for about 300 feet where you will see a footbridge to your right. It took us about 7 and half hours including an hour lunch break to hike up and down from about 6,900 feet to 9,300 feet, an early start is definitely recommended. The trailhead is located north of the very popular Jenny Lake along String Lake Rd. This day-long adventure takes off from the Paintbrush Canyon Trailhead. A strenuous ~13-mile out-and-back hike to a high altitude lake on the slopes of an 11,500-foot peak. It is called Paintbrush Canyon for a reason- Indian Paintbrushes and tens of thousands of wildflowers follow the path to the top. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |