Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
6,517.00 ft (1,986.38 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
30.40 mi (48.92 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Jenny Lake to Lake Solitude is a 30.4-mile out-and-back route through Paintbrush Canyon located within Grand Teton National Park. The hike begins and ends at the Jenny Lake Trailhead. It traverses around the shores of Jenny Lake and String Lake, and then heads into the Grand Teton backcountry, ascending up Paintbrush Canyon to reach Lake Solitude. This beautiful area offers stunning alpine scenery, colorful meadows, unique geology, and sparkling lakes. 

The Paintbrush Divide (10,700') is the highest point of this route, providing incredible panoramic views of the surrounding Teton Mountains, such as Mount Moran, Mount Woodring, Mount St. John, and Rockchuck Peak.

This is a strenuous route that takes place at a high altitude with several steep sections of trail. From start to finish, the elevation ranges between 6,800 and 10,700 feet with an overall elevation gain of approximately 6,517 feet. It follows trails that are open to runners, hikers, and backpackers and is recommended as a 2-3 day backpacking trip (permit required, see below for details).

DIRECTIONS

Starting out flat, the route follows the Jenny Lake Loop Trail along the eastern shore of Jenny Lake. 

The trail circles east of String Lake, crosses an outlet, and heads towards Paintbrush Canyon. It ascends steeply through Paintbrush Canyon, passing numerous backcountry campsites, scenic vistas, and alpine lakes on the way. 

Around mile 11, you'll reach the Paintbrush Divide, and the high point of the route. After that, you'll continue along the trail to Lake Solitude. You'll find the turnaround point near the backcountry campsites south of the lake.

Retrace your steps and descend through Paintbrush Canyon. After leaving the canyon, stay on the west side of String Lake and follow the String Lake Loop Trail to the Jenny Lake Loop Trail, which will take you around the west side of the lake until you return to the trailhead.

ENTRANCE FEE

Grand Teton National Park charges a fee to enter the park. Park passes can be purchased upon arrival or in advance. Discounts are available for qualifying individuals. For more information please visit https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/fees.htm

CAMPING AND PERMITS

Teton National Park requires a permit for overnight camping in the backcountry. Permits can be obtained in advance online at www.recreation.gov, or at the park the day before. Permit availability can be seen online at recreation.gov. A limited number of permits are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Read through the information at https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bcres.htm for more details. 

WHEN TO VISIT

Summer and fall are busy hiking seasons. During this time, parking lots tend to fill up quickly, so it is best to start your hike early.

BICYCLES AND VEHICLES

Bicycles and vehicles are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry.

PETS

Pets are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NPS - Grand Teton National Park



 

 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

3

Pros

Alpine lakes. Wildflowers. Glaciers.

Cons

Some areas get crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

6,801.00 ft (2,072.94 m)

Highest point

10,700.00 ft (3,261.36 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Glacier
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.