Paintbrush Canyon Loop and Leigh Lake Overnight

There are many ways to access the Teton backcountry. However, one of my personal favorites is from Leigh Lake via the String Lake trailhead. From the backcountry office obtain a backcountry permit for 2 nights at Leigh Lake. Site 12 has some of the more impressive beachfront views of the Front Range.

Begin the hike at the String Lake Trailhead (6,880 ft.) Hike along the East side of the lake about 1 mile until you arrive at a junction, stay to the right and continue about 1.5 miles to the camping area (Site 12) on the shores of Leigh Lake. Wake early enough on day 2 to tackle all 22 miles of the Paintbrush Canyon loop. Hike South 1.5 miles from site 12 to the junction where you will take a right. Then hike 0.7 miles to the String Lake/Paintbrush Canyon Junction. Take a right and continue 4.9 miles up to Holly Lake (9,500 ft.) There is the option to camp at Holly Lake if 22 miles in a day is not your style. From here continue 1.7 miles to Paintbrush Divide (10,700 ft.) for a 360 degree view of the Teton backcountry. Begin the descent down 2.4 miles to Lake Solitude (9,035 ft.). From here take the Lake Solitude Trail 2.7 miles to the top of Cascade Canyon. Take a left on Cascade Canyon Trail and begin the 4.5 mile descent down to Jenny Lake (6,783 ft.) Stay left on the Valley Trail 1.4 miles along the banks of Jenny Lake. Finally connecting to the String Lake Parking area in another 0.3 miles. Remember if you plan to camp at Leigh Lake one more night you will still have about 2.5 miles back to Campsite 12.

If you’re looking for wildflowers and a bit of trail traffic, August is great. However, avoiding crowds means late September-October. Prepare for cold temperatures at high elevation, grizzly bear activity, and possible snow accumulations.

PACK LIST:

• Backcountry Permit
• Navigation: Outbound CLUB Membership for offline maps. Paper Topographic map (NatGeo Map 720) and waterproof container plus a magnetic compass 
• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen for lips and skin, hat, clothing for sun protection
• Insulation: Hat, gloves, jacket, extra clothing for coldest possible weather during current season
• Illumination Headlamp, flashlight, batteries
• First-Aid Supplies, including insect repellent
• Fire: Butane lighter, matches in waterproof container. Campfires are prohibited and pack stoves are required
• (Repair Kit and Tools) Knife or multi-tool, trowel/shovel, duct tape, cable ties, Bear Spray
• Nutrition: Add extra food for one additional day (for emergency). Dry food is preferred to save weight and usually needs water. Bear Containers Required (Bearproof canisters are available for rent from the backcountry office
• Hydration: Add extra 2 liters of water for one additional day (for emergency) or Water filter
• Emergency Shelter: Tarp, bivy bag, tent, etc. insulated sleeping pad & bag
• Camera