A bald eagle even made an appearance, soaring silently above the magnificent alpenglow and adding a regal air to an already unbelievably majestic scene. Hiking the loop in this counterclockwise direction-you can hike up Cascade Canyon if you choose-is usually preferred, because for most people it is easier to ascend a steep canyon than to descend it, and by descending Cascade Canyon, you get the benefit of terrific front-on views of the Cathedral Group.Д®arly in the predawn hours of Augwe stepped onto the dusty trail that skirts the eastern shore of String Lake, and as we made our way towards the mouth of Paintbrush Canyon we were treated to a breath-taking sunrise-the pink sunlit peaks of the Teton Range reflecting in the calm waters of the lake. The Paintbrush Canyon/Cascade Canyon Loop begins at the Leigh Lake Trailhead, climbs up Paintbrush Canyon-the steeper of the two canyons-on its way to Paintbrush Divide and then descends via Cascade Canyon. There are many beautiful and easy hikes in the park, but we wanted something truly exceptional-cue the premier Grand Teton hiking trail -the 21.4 mile Paintbrush Canyon/Cascade Canyon Loop. Despite the miles of spectacular backcountry destinations, many visitors spend only a few hours touring the park, gazing at the fantastic mountains from their car or at the many scenic turnouts, but the best way to truly appreciate the park is on foot. The focus for most visitors is, of course, the jagged Teton Range that rises abruptly above the sage-covered valley, creating a panorama known around the world.

Grand Teton National Park, located in northwestern Wyoming, is home to a landscape beyond compare-abundant wildlife, pristine lakes, waterfalls, and majestic mountains round out the incredible vistas.

Paintbrush canyon