![]() The descent provides great views into the glacier carved, U-shaped canyon backdropped by staggering peaks most prominent being the Grand Teton. The trail descends through vast boulder fields that slowly give way to more wildflowers and vegetation. Tucked up high above Lake Solitude is the mint-green Micah Lake fed by Petersen Glacier. The trail continues along the ridgeline through meadows of low-growing, alpine plants, then begins to descend into Cascade Canyon. To the west, the Jedediah Smith Wilderness stretches out and the Teton Range dominates the view looking south. At the divide, you look east back down Paintbrush Canyon and north to parts of Leigh Canyon and Mt. The unforgettable, sweeping views in all directions are worth the effort and more mountains come into view as the trail traverses the ridgeline. The footing gets loose as you approach the final switchbacks to the divide. From the junction, it steadily works its way up towards the divide, passing through the incredible, alpine scenery as more mountains become visible. The steepest part of the hike is from Holly Lake as the trail climbs up a ridge to join the Paintbrush Canyon trail again. The trail crosses the outlet of String Lake, wraps around the lake and heads up Paintbrush Canyon to Holly Lake (see Holly Lake for description). Although the trail can be hiked in either direction, this description takes the counterclockwise approach by beginning in Paintbrush Canyon and coming out through Cascade Canyon. See a Tetons highlight reel of big views, lumbering moose, and sweet solitude on this 18.1-mile counterclockwise loop starting at String Lake trailhead.This incredible loop takes you from forested canyons to breathtaking alpine with expansive views and beautiful lakes. 1 mile to a bridge between String and Jenny Lakes. You’ll cross a marshy area west of String Lake (look for moose), then curve north across sage-covered foothills before climbing 4.6 miles through subalpine forest to Holly Lake at 9,410 feet.Įat lunch in the shadow of 11,539-foot Mt.Ģ mile, bear right at a Y-junction onto the Paintbrush Canyon Trail. Woodring before tackling a 1,310-foot, 1.5-mile pull to the crest of Paintbrush Divide. Pack a bear bell or sing through this stretch grizzlies and black bears forage here. But don’t let bears distract you from the view: The jagged Tetons dominate the skyline. Cross the 10,720-foot divide, often snow-covered until August, then descend 2.3 miles to Lake Solitude (9,035 feet).Ĭhoose a campsite, just beyond, in one of the North Fork Cascade Camping Zone’s 14 sites, most with spectacular views of the Cathedral Group (Grand Teton, Mt. Owen, and Teewinot Mountain) to the south. ![]() Blue and purple alpine forget-me-nots, the park’s official flower, dot the landscape through late summer. The next day, hike 2.8 miles southeast on the Lake Solitude Trail to a left turn onto Cascade Canyon Trail. Descend gradually past glacial erratics and small caves along Cascade Creek 3.4 miles to a Y-junction. Turn left onto a lesser-used horse trail and drop. Turn left and cruise 1.3 miles along Jenny Lake back to String Lake trailhead. ![]() INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/things2know.htm. PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htmĬONTACT Grand Teton National Park, (307) 739-3300 nps.gov/grte/ Reservations accepted ($20 administrative fee for permits during peak season). #The paintbrush divide to cascade canyon trail summitpost full.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |