Jackson Lake and Leigh Lake became visible as we climbed. A few switchbacks were encountered and the views were opening up. The trail climbed, getting steeper in a few spots. We continued up, crossing the creek a few times over a footbridge. It quickly stepped off the trail and went around us through the brush, only to come back on the trail and continue his journey down the canyon.

Moran and other fantastic summits teased us with what was to come.Īs we hiked up, I looked up to a Black Bear coming down the path. We joined up with an unnamed creek that cascaded down from the heights. Sections of boulder fields contained “eeping” pikas which we stopped to watch.

We passed the trail that extends down towards Leigh Lake and continued left up and around, entering into Paintbrush Canyon.Īfter a brief climb, the trail leveled out. Eventually, we entered into the forest where we’d remain for some time. Stands of aspens shuttered their leaves in the wind. As we gradually gained elevation, small pockets of trees interrupted the views. The trail traveled across the avalanche chute looking down at String Lake and out to the Jackson Hole area. All the way along this section, the views of the craggy Tetons such as Rockchuck Peak contrast with the smooth blue sky. The lake gets briefly obscured by a fire scoured ridge, but comes back into view quickly near an avalanche chute. Some argue that the uphill is better through Cascade Canyon, but either way, the climb up to Paintbrush Divide will make you breathe hard.Īfter crossing the outlet of String Lake, we stayed right at the junction that we’d come back to hours later. We decided to loop counterclockwise through Paintbrush Canyon first, then take the long more level trail out through Cascade Canyon. This popular hike explores a variety of terrain amongst the Tetons including lush forests, alpine lakes, and grand vistas. We were excited to tackle the big Paintbrush Divide Loop going up and over Paintbrush Divide crossing through Paintbrush Canyon and Cascade Canyon. The air was cool and crisp as we got an early start on a bluebird day in Grand Teton National Park.

Paintbrush divide tetons