There's so much more to experience than can be seen from the roads of our National Parks. My wife and I got "beyond the pullouts" of the roads and experienced what is perhaps the most beautiful backcountry hike and camp in Grand Teton National Park: the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop Trail.

For 5 years we had wanted to do this hike, and as what seemed like fate would have it, we were able to secure a permit.

We showed up to the Ranger Station the day before our hike in hopes of getting the highly competitive permit for the backcountry camping zone that we wanted. We knew there was no way that we would be able to complete the 21 mile, 4000 foot elevation gain hike in one day because of the distance and elevation, so getting the camping site was a make-or-break deal.

Even though we got there at around 5:30AM, we were still third in line for the opening at 8AM. Our fears came true, when we heard the person ahead of us lamenting the fact that the camping zone he wanted was full. This was the very same camping zone that we wanted, and every other nearby zone was full as well. As he finished up, we were scrambling to come up with an alternative, and as we approached the Ranger's desk, in one last-ditch effort, we asked about our desired Upper Paintbrush Zone. Low and behold, someone had JUST cancelled seconds before, and the spot opened up for us!

We began the next morning at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station, and caught a boat across the lake to start the 21.6 mile, 4000 vertical foot loop- into Paintbrush Canyon, over Paintbrush Divide, and out Cascade Canyon.

The hike was replete with astounding views, a gorgeous sunrise, a plethora of wildflower meadows, slightly-nerve-wrackingly steep trails, and even a black bear encounter.

It truly will go down as one of the most memorable experiences of our lives, and was a true joy to experience the beauty and majesty of God's creation alongside the love of my life.

Music:
"Ends of the Earth" by Lord Huron
"Outro" by M83

Gear:
Sony A7III
Sony 28-70 f/4-5.6
Iphone 8+
Zhiyun Crane v2

Not monetized. Just for fun!