Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop - 20mi 4480ft

A trail meanders through a rocky, alpine meadow with jagged peaks in the background.

The Paintbrush-Cascade Loop is Grand Teton's most strenuous day hike—a 20-mile, 4,480-foot alpine grind that requires 11-14 hours of relentless effort. But earn it, and you'll stand atop 10,700-foot Paintbrush Divide with panoramic views of Mount Moran, Mount Woodring, and Rockchuck Peak, then drop into Cascade Canyon for direct views of the Grand Teton itself. This is not a casual hike; it's a test of fitness, endurance, and mental toughness. Come for the isolation, the technical scree descent, and proof that you summited one of the park's highest passes.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 19.9
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous / Expert
Elevation Gain Feet: 4480

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 19.9
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous / Expert
Elevation Gain Feet: 4480
Estimated Time: 11-14 hours (full day commitment; plan for sunrise to sunset finish)
Trail Surface: Dirt trail with rocks, roots, steps, bridge crossings, loose scree (especially on Paintbrush Divide), and late-season snow patches
Trail Features: Paintbrush Divide (10,700 ft alpine pass)
Lake Solitude
Alpine meadows and tundra
Paintbrush Canyon Creek
Cascade Canyon views
Panoramic mountain vistas
Scree fields
Multiple stream crossings
Trail Highlights: Summit Paintbrush Divide (10,700 ft) for panoramic views of Mount Moran, Mount Woodring, and Rockchuck Peak. Reach Lake Solitude for direct views of the Grand Teton and Mount Owen. Descend Cascade Canyon with the Tetons towering overhead.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: String and Leigh Lakes Trailhead (north end of Jenny Lake, approximately 15 miles from park headquarters)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle required. Drive your own vehicle to String Lake Trailhead. All-day parking available.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: Permits required for overnight backcountry camping. Day hikes do not require permits. For backcountry overnight trips, visit https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm or contact Jenny Lake Ranger Station to apply for a permit.
Fees: $35 per vehicle (7-day entrance fee to Grand Teton National Park); $20 per person on foot or bicycle; $30 per motorcycle. General entrance fee applies.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Snow typically closes or renders the trail dangerous from November through mid-July. Paintbrush Divide often holds snow until late July. Trail is passable and safest mid-July through October. Avoid before late July unless you have snow experience and proper equipment (microspikes, crampons).

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Paintbrush Canyon Creek and streams near Lake Solitude provide water. Filter or treat all water. Dry sections exist; carry capacity for 2-3 liters minimum.
Accessibility: Very strenuous 19.9-mile loop with 4,480 ft elevation gain and average slope of 9%. Trail surface is rooty, rocky, and steep with exposed switchbacks and unstable scree. Not accessible for people with mobility challenges, those who fear heights, or those with significant knee issues.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep elevation gain and sustained climbing
Exposed alpine terrain with lightning risk
Snow on Paintbrush Divide (until mid-July)
Unstable scree field
Loose rocks
Steep switchbacks
Exposed drop-offs
Rapid weather changes
Afternoon thunderstorms
Dehydration risk
Hazard Details: Paintbrush Divide is steep, exposed, and holds snow until late July. Snow and scree are unstable—footing is unpredictable. Steep switchbacks on both ascent and descent stress knees and require focus. The exposed ridge creates lightning risk during afternoon thunderstorms. Weather changes rapidly in alpine terrain—clouds can roll in within minutes, reducing visibility and temperature. Hikers must have snow experience and proper equipment if snow is present. Bridge crossings and stream crossings may be icy early season.
Cell Service: Unreliable at high elevations; Paintbrush Divide likely has poor to no coverage
Crowd Level: Moderate but lighter than shorter trails—the 11-14 hour commitment and extreme difficulty deter casual hikers
Peak Crowd Times: Mid-July through August weekends; September remains popular but less crowded; October sees fewest visitors
Best Season: Summer (mid-July through August) and Fall (September through early October)
Best Time To Visit: Mid-July through October. Start by 6:00 AM to finish with daylight. Paintbrush Divide holds snow until late July—avoid before then unless you have snow experience and proper equipment. Summer (July-August) offers best conditions but also peak crowds. Fall (September-October) has fewer hikers and cooler temps.
Tips Advice: Start by 6 AM—daylight is non-negotiable for a 14-hour hike.
Carry minimum 3 liters of water; fill at Paintbrush Canyon Creek and streams near Lake Solitude.
Trekking poles are mandatory for the relentless descent. Your knees demand them.
Check snow conditions at Jenny Lake Ranger Station before committing. Paintbrush Divide is a different hike with snow.
Pack a headlamp even on sunny days. You may need it.
Bring sunscreen and a hat—there is zero shade above tree line.
Make noise while hiking (bear country).
Tell someone your route and expected return time.

More details

Park Area: String Lake Area / Northern Tetons
Trail Markers: Well-marked trail with cairns. Snow cover in early season can obscure the route, especially over Paintbrush Divide. Cairns mark the way over the exposed ridge. Path is obvious in good conditions but navigation requires caution if weather deteriorates.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Full sun on exposed alpine terrain. Minimal shade above tree line. Paintbrush Divide is fully exposed. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop rapidly—plan to be off the exposed ridges by 2 PM.
Emergency Contacts: Jenny Lake Ranger Station (8 miles south of String Lake Trailhead). In emergencies, dial 911 if service available; otherwise, hike out and seek ranger assistance at Jenny Lake or Colter Bay Visitor Center.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Snow typically present November through mid-July. Paintbrush Divide often holds snow until late July or early August depending on the year. Winter snowpack reaches 10-15 feet in alpine areas.
Mud Season: Spring and early summer snowmelt (May-July) creates wet and boggy conditions in lower sections and swollen stream crossings
Wildflower Peak: Late July through August (alpine wildflowers in meadows near Paintbrush Divide and Lake Solitude)
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through early October (aspen groves in lower elevations show gold and red)
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak July and early August, especially near water sources and in forested sections. Bring repellent; mosquitoes are aggressive at dusk.
Insider Tips: The "trail" over Paintbrush Divide is steep scree with boot tracks marking the way—if you see a boot track, follow it.
Check conditions at Jenny Lake Ranger Station (open 8 AM-5 PM in summer) before committing. Paintbrush Divide snow status is the gatekeeper.
Lake Solitude is the psychological midpoint—don't sit and celebrate; you have a 3-mile, 2,000-foot descent ahead.
The final descent into Cascade Canyon is where your quads beg for mercy. Switchbacks are relentless. Trekking poles prevent knee damage.
Most hikers start at Paintbrush (north trailhead) and descend Cascade, not the reverse. Do what most do.
Bring a substantial snack or energy meal for Lake Solitude. You've earned a 15-minute sit-down.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for young children or inexperienced hikers. The 11-14 hour commitment, relentless switchbacks, exposed alpine terrain, and high elevation make this a hiker-only trail. No wheels, no shortcuts. Solo parents with kids should skip this—the full-day time and steep sections demand undivided attention and adult fitness.
Nearby Facilities: String Lake Trailhead (parking only). Jenny Lake area (visitor center, ranger station, small store, campground) 8 miles south. Colter Bay (visitor center, lodging, dining, supplies) 20 miles north. Closest fuel and restaurants are in the town of Jackson, 20+ miles away.
Review Summary: Hikers consistently report Paintbrush-Cascade as the most strenuous loop in Grand Teton but delivering the park's best alpine views. The 11-14 hour commitment and 4,480 ft gain are brutal, and Paintbrush Divide's snow hazard demands respect, but Lake Solitude and the Divide's panoramic vistas justify the pain. Most recommend this only for fit, experienced hikers. A few regret not attempting it sooner.

Frequently asked questions

Can a moderately fit hiker do this trail?

No. This requires expert-level fitness and mountain endurance. The 11-14 hour commitment and sustained 4,480 ft of climbing separate this from recreational hikes. Train on shorter strenuous hikes first.

Is it safe to hike alone?

The trail is well-traveled, so yes, but not recommended. A solo 14-hour hike in alpine terrain leaves no margin for error if you're injured or exhausted. Bring a partner and always tell someone your route and expected return time.

Do I need special gear if there's snow on Paintbrush Divide?

Yes. If snow is present (common until mid-July), you need microspikes or crampons, trekking poles, and prior snow experience. Check conditions at Jenny Lake Ranger Station—if snow is heavy, the Divide may be impassable without technical gear.

What is the single most dangerous part of this hike?

Paintbrush Divide. It's steep, exposed to lightning, and the scree is unstable—especially over snow. Hikers slip and slide daily. If weather deteriorates or visibility drops, turn back immediately. Summiting is optional; descending alive is mandatory.

Do I need a headlamp?

Yes. The hike takes 11-14 hours; starting at 6 AM means finishing near sunset or in darkness. A headlamp lets you move safely if you're delayed by crowds, slow hiking partners, or photo stops. Better to have it and not need it.

Are dogs allowed on this trail?

No. Dogs are not permitted on this trail or in the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park.