Park at the String Lake Trailhead.Ĭascade Canyon: For gorgeous views along Cascade Creek and a good chance to spot wildlife, put Cascade Canyon on your list. If you choose to hike all of the way Paintbrush Divide, this is a 16.8 mile hike with 4,550 feet of elevation gain. You can turn around whenever you are ready, but the farther you go, the better the view. This pretty canyon typically has fewer hikers than Cascade Canyon, so if you are looking for solitude, this is a nice option. Paintbrush Canyon: You can hike Paintbrush Canyon out-and-back. If you like the idea of doing this hike but don’t have the desire or the energy for a 20-mile loop, here are 3 shorter versions of the Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop. Late summer to early fall is the best time to do this hike, when most of the trail is free of snow. In the early part of summer (sometimes up through July) there can be lots of snow at the higher elevations, so special gear is recommended (hiking poles, crampons, etc.). In the winter and spring, the trails are snow covered and dangerous. When to Go: During the summer and fall months. Highest Elevation (Paintbrush Divide): 10,700 feet Starting Elevation (Trailhead): 6,900 feet Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Trail Stats How to Hike the Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop.