Paintbrush–Cascade Canyon Loop
~3 days · 14.6 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Paintbrush–Cascade Canyon Loop is known for
A classic 19-mile loop in Grand Teton National Park connecting the Paintbrush Canyon and Cascade Canyon drainages via the 10,641-foot Paintbrush Divide. The loop passes Holly Lake, Lake Solitude, and the popular Cascade Canyon corridor, with designated backcountry campsites available on both sides of the divide. A permit is required for all overnight stays in Grand Teton NP backcountry.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 23,379 ft to 35,079 ft over 14.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 6.0 mi · 41%
- Downhill 8.1 mi · 56%
- Flat 0.4 mi · 3%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Paintbrush–Cascade Canyon Loop?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Paintbrush–Cascade Canyon Loop scores 24/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Paintbrush–Cascade Canyon Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Paintbrush–Cascade Canyon Loop in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 14.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Paintbrush–Cascade Canyon Loop?
The Paintbrush–Cascade Canyon Loop climbs roughly 3,612 ft total — about 247 ft per mile, topping out near 10,709 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.