Trail Run Project Logo

A very steep, less-trafficked trail with a backcountry feel.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

7.0

Miles

11.2

KM

76%

Runnable

10,675' 3,254 m

High

7,121' 2,170 m

Low

3,578' 1,091 m

Up

63' 19 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

From the west edge of String Lake, Paintbrush Canyon trail branches off of the String Lake Trail and heads northwest into Paintbrush Canyon. Initially the trail contours Rockchuck Peak (11,145') and isn't too steep. Once it turns due west, however, and enters the canyon proper, the trail becomes much steeper.

Until ~4.4miles, the trail is ensconced in trees, so the views are fleeting. Be on the lookout for moose - they love this less-trafficked trail.

At the 4.4 mile point, Paintbrush Canyon trail intersects Holly Lake trail, which gives users the option to dip their feet in one of the beautiful high-alpine lakes Grand Teton has to offer. To continue on Paintbrush Canyon, stay left at this intersection. From here, the trail opens up to spectacular views of Mt. Woodring (11,518') to the north, The Jaw (11,327') and Mt. Saint John (11,379') to the south.

After the trail intersects with Holly Lake trail a second time, Paintbrush Canyon trail eases a bit. Don't get comfy, though... After ~.5mi, Paintbrush Canyon makes its final push up to Paintbrush Divide (10,720'). If you're attempting this trail prior to August, an ice axe may be necessary.

Push your way up this insanely steep pitch, and be sure to look back to see what you've accomplished. The views of the aforementioned mountains from here is incredible.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 12 votes

#6

in West

#373

Overall
  4.8 from 12 votes
5 Star
83%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in West

#19

in Wyoming

#373

Overall
8 Views Last Month
5,369 Since Dec 22, 2014
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%

Photos

Mount Woodring and Paintbrush Canyon from Paintbrush Divide.
Nov 16, 2020 near Alta, WY
Holly Lake and Jackson Lake from the ascent to Paintbrush Divide
Nov 16, 2020 near Alta, WY
Hiking up Paintbrush Canyon.
<br>
Image by the National Park Service (NPS).
Dec 23, 2014 near Moose W…, WY
Paintbrush Canyon meadow and creek along the trail.
<br>

<br>
Image by the National Park Service (NPS).
Dec 23, 2014 near Moose W…, WY
Spirits are high as we head down Upper Paintbrush Canyon on Day 4 of the Teton Crest Trail.
Jan 12, 2017 near Alta, WY
Paintbrush Canyon is a lovely trail within Grand Teton National Park.
Mar 21, 2017 near Alta, WY

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.