Paintbrush divide snow7/6/2023 ![]() ![]() I get back on the trail, and in just a few minutes I reach my proposed destination. Note taken.Īs I took the above photo, two very nice women approached me. ![]() I had met a couple coming down that warned me of false trails that people tried to make that presented dangerous paths. It was in this area that I saw a yellow bellied marmot, and an all black marmot. I look up and see that I am inching closer.Īfter a few switchbacks, climbing higher and higher, I stop and take a couple more photos. I pass a few backpackers here and there, and they all said they slept at campsites on this trail overnight. I only wanted to get in less than 10 miles of hiking. I see this sign, and decided I would go up to Holly Lake, possibly to the Paintbrush Divide. That and dodging horse manure for a mile or so was quite unpleasant. The guide said they travel this trail every morning. Sure enough, here came 6 horseback riders down the trail. I noticed several spots on the trail where horses had done their business. With elevation, looks can be very deceiving. I looked up and thought, “Hmmm… let’s go to the top of that peak.” ![]() I was good to go for a what I was thinking was going to be a short hike. I packed some Clif bars, Old Trapper beef sticks, and Combos. I have my day pack on, 3L bladder is full, and two reserve bottles of water as well. He mentioned that they live in Littleton and teach in Franconia. I told him I hiked there last August at the Franconia Notch. Oddly enough, he told me he was from New Hampshire. He simply pointed up at the triangular peak, and said “See you up there.” He then took off on the trail. I start a conversation, and eventually ask him which trail he was going on. I noticed a guy behind me getting ready to hike. A very interesting creature.Īfter a few minutes, I pulled into the nearest trailhead. It paced me for a short while, and fell off. I start driving and suddenly a pronghorn antelope starts running in line with me. I found a trailhead that was just up the road another mile or so. I drive along the park road, and pull over for a minute to check my AllTrails app for nearby trails. I decided to simply drive over to the park, and find a trailhead, and park there. I never did find out exactly which one it was. My plan was to hike the same mountain that Sylvester Stallone did in Rocky IV. Not the most pleasant sight for a day of hiking. taken from the campsite parking lotĪs you see, there was an overcast looming. I got a good nights sleep, woke up early, and packed up. I met the couple next to my site, whom were in the midst of moving to Vancouver, BC from Montreal, QC. Needless to say, I slept with my firearm next to me. You know, where bears, coyotes, elk, and so forth will come through first. Here, it was the closest spot to the forest. I found a spot directly in the rear, and set up. The campground was just behind those trees He suggested one right in the middle of elk country. I went inside to get a drink, and asked the attendant about nearby campsites. Thus, I had to take the long way around to Jackson, WY. Wyoming and it’s dirt roads are another story. I’d move there tomorrow if it were possible in my life right now. Wow, I did not know Montana had so many beautiful parks, rivers, lakes, and a share of the Rocky Mountains. I left my hotel on the 21st, and began driving down to Jackson, WY. The resulting trail damage now poses safety hazards to hikers who often lose their route along the trail and end up in dangerous situations in the steep, loose terrain.August 22nd, 2019 Grand Teton National Park from 50 miles away The eastern slope is comprised of scree (a general term for a loose rock field) and over time, water flow from melting snow and yearly visitor use has eroded and shifted the trail. Paintbrush Divide is the highest point along the Teton Crest Trail at 10,700 feet in elevation. Many parts of the trail were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps dating back to 1934 but, due to its remote location, much of the trail has remained largely untouched by park maintenance crews since original construction took place. The Teton Crest Trail is a 45-mile long trail through the high country of the Teton Range. In partnership with Grand Teton, the Foundation is continuing to fund work along this iconic trail, improving sections that have fallen into disrepair. As trail work near Hurricane Pass comes to a close, restoration efforts at another site along the Teton Crest Trail-Paintbrush Divide-is in full swing. ![]()
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