Holly Lake
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Snow lingers on the upper trail and around Holly Lake well into July most years. The final approach can be a steep snow traverse with significant runout below — if you don't have microspikes and know how to self-arrest, turn around.
Grizzly bears are active throughout Paintbrush Canyon, especially in berry season from late July through September. Carry bear spray accessible on your hip, not buried in your pack, and make noise on blind corners.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-July through August, and the upper canyon is fully exposed above treeline. Watch the sky and plan to be heading down by early afternoon.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Get to the String Lake Trailhead by 7 AM or earlier — parking fills completely by mid-morning in July and August, and there's no overflow lot that won't add significant distance to an already long day.
There's reliable water in Paintbrush Canyon creek for most of the summer season, but bring a filter and top off before the final push to the lake — the last reliable source is below the junction, and you'll want a full bottle for the exposed upper section.
The view back down Paintbrush Canyon toward Leigh Lake and Jackson Lake is actually better than the view at the lake itself for photography — pause at the switchbacks around the two-thirds mark when the afternoon light rakes across the canyon walls.
Photos
NPS Photo/A. Falgoust
