Most People Will Never See This Wondrous Lake Hiding In Wyoming
By Catherine Armstrong|Published October 08, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Wyomingites enjoy tons of beautiful hiking trails, and there’s definitely something for hikers of every age and ability here. Of course, not every hike is suitable for every hiker. The Paintbrush Canyon/Cascade Canyon Loop Trail is considered strenuous, and at nearly 20 miles long, it’s not for everyone. There’s a lake hiding along this trail, and because it’s 10 miles in, most people will never see it.
The Paintbrush Canyon/Cascade Canyon Loop Trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Wyoming, but most people will never see the entire trail, and they'll miss a gorgeous alpine lake, too.
Unlike the shorter Cascade Canyon trail, which is full of tourists during summer months, the Paintbrush Canyon/Cascade Canyon loop is more remote, and requires a much longer hike. It's also considered difficult, with elevation gains of 3,975 feet along the way.
Most people who intend to take the longer trail start at Leigh Lake, at the String Lake Loop trailhead. The entire journey is just under 20 miles, round trip.
You'll find huckleberry bushes lining the trail through the canyon, and while they certainly make for a delicious snack, this area can also be dangerous.
Humans aren't the only creatures who enjoy a huckleberry snack. Grizzly bears are common along this trail, and they can be rather cranky if you startle them, or if they're with a cub. Make sure to travel in a group of at least three hikers, and make plenty of noise as you hike.
During the last few miles of the hike, you'll go through Cascade Canyon, which is incredibly scenic. At the end of the trail, you'll reach Jenny Lake. You can take the boat shuttle across the lake, or hike back around it for the last 1.5 miles.
No matter how you choose to hike the Paintbrush Canyon/Cascade Canyon Loop Trail, make sure you're fully prepared for the journey. Bring along bear spray (and know how to use it), and know the weather forecast before setting out.
