Teton Crest Trail/Paintbrush Divide


July 22, 2023

Snow levels on the Cascade Canyon side of the Paintbrush Divide are minimal. On the Paintbrush Canyon side, the snow patch that was of concern has receded and trail crew members shoveled a path through the remaining snow. Sharps are no longer necessary, but trekking poles are always useful.

Paintbrush Divide Trail - July 21, 2023

July 10, 2023

Snow is melting fast in the high country and the majority of the Crest Trail is melted out, patches of snow will still be encountered above 9500ft.  Paintbrush divide still has a very short but steep snow crossing. 


                                   Paintbrush Divide July 10, 2023


                                    Mount Meek-Sheep Steps July 10, 2023

July 6, 2023

The final switchback at the top of Paintbrush Divide has been shoveled into a narrow pathway. Be advised, a slip and fall here would still result in a dangerous fall on steep snow into a boulder field. The hazard has been reduced, but not eliminated. 



June 27, 2023 

Above 9,000 feet in elevation, the Teton Crest Trail is primarily snow-covered, with difficult and dangerous travel conditions existing. Snowshoes or another form of personal flotation are recommended for travel on the trail, which may be difficult to find or invisible under the snow. Paintbrush Divide is still completely snow-covered with long sections of exposed, steep snow where an un-arrested fall would result in serious injury or death. Ice-axe (and possibly mountaineering crampons) and knowledge/experience using them are REQUIRED for safe travel on this route. "Micro spikes" or other types of "hiking crampons" are not appropriate for this route.

The approach to the Divide on the East side
• Steep snow crossing for at least 100yds
• Ice axe and crampons strongly recommended
Approaching the main switchback on the East side
View looking down into Paintbrush Canyon from the main switchback
The final snow crossing just before the top
• Very steep and firm snow. Axe/Crampons strongly recommended.
Holly Lake
Snow travel begins just below Outlier campsite at ~8,600ft
• Variable snow with cratering and rills throughout.
• Soft in the afternoon and hardpack/icy early in the day