Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
4,030.00 ft (1,228.34 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
23.20 mi (37.34 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.

Cascade Canyon to Paintbrush Canyon Loop is a 23.2-mile route in Grand Teton National Park. The hike begins and ends at the Jenny Lake Trailhead, ascends through Cascade Canyon, enters the Grand Teton backcountry, and descends through Paintbrush Canyon. This beautiful area offers stunning alpine scenery, colorful meadows, unique geology, and sparkling lakes. With an elevation gain of 4,030 feet, the route is rated moderate to strenuous and takes place between 6,792 and 10,691 feet above sea level.This loop can be completed in a day or overnight and follows trails that are open to runners, hikers, and backpackers. 

From the Jenny Lake Trailhead, follow the Jenny Lake Loop trail around the south-west shores of the lake. Ascend the Cascade Canyon Trail and then follow the North Fork Cascade Creek Trail to Lake Solitude. The trail turns east from the lake, climbing up to the Paintbrush Divide and the high point of the route. 

You'll descend through Paintbrush Canyon and then follow the trail on the east side of String Lake heading south. After crossing the southern tip of String Lake, return to the Jenny Lake Loop Trail and follow it around the eastern shore of the lake back to the Jenny Lake 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

2

Pros

Alpine lakes. Mountainous scenery.

Cons

Crowds, especially near Jenny Lake.

Trailhead Elevation

6,792.00 ft (2,070.20 m)

Highest point

10,691.00 ft (3,258.62 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Glacier
Near lake or river
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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