One of the things Corbin and I wanted to do while the kids were away is go on a "big-ish" hike. Our thought was to do something with good Teton views (maybe Alaska Basin up to the crest trail or something like that) on Sunday, July 20th. We were hoping some friends might join. Before I could suggest a route, our friends Sharon and Brian Schmidt suggested the Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon loop (from Grand Teton Park) -- supposedly a pretty classic canyon to canyon route that they'd never done and always wanted to. They said it'd be about 19-20 miles, and then found out that with the snow still near the top, it might have some challenging terrain at a few points. Up for the adventure, we agreed to join them. Others, though interested, couldn't commit the time necessary for what would be a very full day. So the four of us ventured out on our own.
We agreed that we would assess the conditions and turn back if needed. However, by the time we got to the most challenging sections, it would have been almost tougher to turn back ... so on we went! The views were truly gorgeous - a panorama of pure beauty. We hiked up Paintbrush Canyon to the Paintbrush Divide (highest point of the day), then down to Lake Solitude and out the north fork of Cascade Canyon, and finally around Jenny Lake back to the car at String Lake. I was the one least experienced on snow and rock, so conquering that was a success for me. Simply making the 20 mile hike was a success for all of us -- Sharon and Brian have been training for some pretty big trail races, so this was a decent training day for them. After a quick swim in String Lake, we drove back to Victor for burgers at the Brakeman. A wonderful day, with good friends!
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| On the way up Paintbrush Canyon |
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| Paintbrush Canyon |
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| Sharon and Nancy - Paintbrush Canyon |
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| Corb and Nancy crossing a snowfield on way up to the Divide |
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| Scrambling on rocks around the top snowfield (unsafe to cross without the right gear) |
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| I made it!! |
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| Top of the World!! |
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| Groupie at top - Nancy, Sharon, Corbin, Brian |
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| View of Lake Solitude from the Divide |
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| Nancy and Corbin - lunch |
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| Brian and Sharon - lunch in good spot with wind block |
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| Brian and Corbin at Lake Solitude |
Great post. My wife and I are headed up there this weekend (July 26-30). We plan on doing the entire Crest Trail, which includes the Paintbrush Divide that you have recently done. Sounds like the snowfields have melted enough to pass safely enough without axes? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAll safe enough except last one near top of Paintbrush Divide. We scrambled around on rocks. I wouldn't do that snowfield without an axe, but rocks are easy enough to climb without gear.
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