At 12,605 feet Mount Moran is the fourth highest mountain in Grand Teton National Park. As you proceed along the shores of String Lake you'll also be treated to some absolutely stunning views of Mount Moran. Moreover, if you were to run into problems with weather or snow near Paintbrush Divide, this route would allow you to turn around and return to the trailhead faster.įrom the trailhead hikers will enjoy great views of 12,325-foot Teewinot Mountain and 11,144-foot Rockchuck Peak. The consensus opinion is that this direction offers the best views as the sun progresses across the sky. Although you can hike this loop in either direction, most people choose to hike it in a counter-clockwise direction, thus passing through Paintbrush Canyon first. Once on the path turn right and begin heading north along the eastern shore of String Lake. There is a fee for the boat ride.įrom the Leigh Lake parking area walk down along the short paved path to String Lake where you'll immediately reach the Valley Trail, also known as the String Lake Loop Trail. This option travels in a clockwise direction, thus taking you through Cascade Canyon first. If you have two vehicles in your group you'll also have the option of taking the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake which would cut-off almost one-and-a-half miles, making this an 18.3-mile hike instead of 19.7 miles. After turning right, continue for another 0.4 miles to reach the Leigh Lake Trailhead at the end of the road. Drive another 1.4 miles to the turn-off for the String Lake and Leigh Lake trailheads. To reach the trailhead turn west off Teton Park Road at the North Jenny Lake Junction, located roughly 10.6 miles north of Moose Junction, and 10 miles south of Jackson Lake Junction. This description of the Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop hike begins from the Leigh Lake Trailhead, located just north of Jenny Lake. Early season hikers should check with a ranger on trail conditions before attempting this loop. Hikers should note that snow and ice can linger at the higher elevations of this route into August. In short, weather conditions can change rapidly in Grand Teton National Park. Hikers should plan accordingly by starting their hikes early enough in order to avoid the notorious afternoon thunderstorms, and subsequent lightning risk, while hiking in exposed areas, especially near Paintbrush Divide. Either way, hikers should be prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions, including sun, wind, snow and thunderstorms. Although many people choose to do this hike in two, or even three days, many others attempt to do it in one long day. The Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop is an epic hike, in terms of both scenery and in total mileage. Sub-zero temperatures are common throughout winter and demand multi-layered clothing, hats, mittens and cold weather boots.National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for Grand Tetons contains detailed topographic information, clearly marked trails, recreational points of interest & navigational aids. Raingear is recommended during spring, summer and fall. Drive at or below posted speed limits as conditions warrant moose and other wildlife are often seen crossing roads during the winter. Vehicles with four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or all-weather tires are recommended for winter travel, roads may be closed during blizzards. Sunny days and cold nights alternate with rain and occasional snow storms.īetween storms the days are sunny and nights are frigid. Warm days and cool nights prevail, with afternoon thundershowers common. Valley trails are usually snow covered until late May. Mild days and cool nights alternate with rain and snow. The first heavy snows fall by November 1 and continue through April snow and frost are possible during any month.
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