Paintbrush Canyon Trail

Overview

Paintbrush Canyon is the Teton classic: big elevation, bigger views, and a full sampler of forest, wildflower meadows, alpine lake, and a high pass. It starts from String Lake and climbs steadily up-canyon toward Holly Lake and, for the ambitious, Paintbrush Divide. Expect a strenuous day with serious payoff.

Distance, Elevation & Difficulty

Most hikers treat the Paintbrush Canyon Trail as an out-and-back to Holly Lake, roughly 12 miles round trip with about 2,600–2,800 feet of gain. If you push to Paintbrush Divide and return the same way, plan on about 17–18 miles round trip and ~3,800–4,200 feet of gain. Many combine the ascent with a descent through Cascade Canyon for a very strenuous loop of about 19.9–21.5 miles total with ~4,480 feet of climb. No matter which option you choose, this is a hard mountain day best for experienced hikers.

What You’ll See

You’ll start in shady pine forest and quickly break into meadows that light up with wildflowers in summer. Wildlife sightings are common—moose turn up in the canyon and black bears are reported, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. Holly Lake sits in a gorgeous alpine bowl that makes a natural lunch spot. Above, the trail steepens, turns rocky, and pops above treeline on switchbacks toward Paintbrush Divide, where the views stretch east and west across the Tetons. The terrain includes packed dirt lower down and increasingly rocky tread with talus/scree higher up.

Conditions & Seasonality

Snow can linger well into early–mid summer at higher elevations—especially near the divide—and early season travel may require crampons or an ice axe and the skills to use them. Streams in the canyon make water refills possible (treat or filter). Trekking poles help on the long, steep switchbacks and for the rocky upper sections.

Best Time to Hike

Plan for summer into early fall. Wildflowers are best late June through August, with fall color in September. Start early to grab parking, beat crowds, and dodge typical afternoon storms. On the full loop, many hikers prefer going counter-clockwise (up Paintbrush, down Cascade) for a kinder descent.

Bottom Line

If you want a quintessential Teton adventure, this is it—challenging, committing, and unforgettable. Turn around at Holly Lake for a big but manageable day, or go all-in to the divide or the full loop if conditions, daylight, and fitness line up.