Granite Basin Loop Llama Trek
Llama Treks
5 Days, 4 Nights 31+MI / 50+KM
Trip Highlights
This is a 5 day trek with two base camps along our llama-assisted mountain journey. It is a loop hike so we experience all new scenery every day of the trip. It features 25+ miles of hiking, which includes day hikes on days 2 and 4. Day 4 we have the option to challenge ourselves and climb 2,600+ feet to see some of the Teton’s best views, or enjoy a more moderate, scenic route packed with stunning views and beautiful mountain basins.
We will cross the divide on two occasions and sneak a peak into Grand Teton National Park from the top. Our camps are wonderful, our day hikes are challenging, the views are stunning, and the food is spectacular. The llamas truly earn their keep on this trip. Our well trained llamas help make a trip like this possible and do so in style as they each carry 80 pounds of food and gear in their panniers (saddle bags). Guests also have the opportunity to fish, swim, and choose from multiple day hike options. The views of The Grand Teton are breathtaking and make for outstanding photographs so be sure to bring your camera along!
This trip is operated by Wildland Llamas, an authorized backpacking and llama outfitter in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
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Stunning Tetons Views
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Hike Below the Grand Teton
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Little’s Peak & Saddle Horse Point
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Abundant Wildlife Habitat
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Llama Trail Companions
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Lake & River Fishing
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Relaxing Layover Day
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Llama Treks -
Trip Length
5 Days, 4 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
4-8 mi -
Group Size
2-12 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip has moderate distances (up to 8 miles) with significant elevation gains. We will gain at least 2150 the first day, and on Day 4 we have the option to gain as much as 2600 feet (optional). Thanks to the llamas, our backpacks are on the lighter side, making this trip overall Level 3 difficulty.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to Trailhead: 1.5 hours
Hiking Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2200 feet
We start around 7:00 am and will travel from your hotel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming then up and over Jackson Pass to our trailhead (elevation 7011 feet) in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. Prepare for a long, but stunning day of hiking, with about six and a half miles and over two thousand feet of elevation gain to the Green Lakes region. We will parallel a beautiful creek for almost 6 miles on our journey to camp. We eat lunch at a beautiful boulder field opening right next to the creek bed. After lunch we hike several more miles to camp and as we pass the mouth of North Leigh Creek the basin begins to open up and the views you worked for all day begin to appear. We’ll set up camp tonight near a majestic mountain lake near 9,200 feet. We will settle into camp and relax after a phenomenal day of hiking. We’ll watch the llamas enjoy some lush grass and your guide one of our famous backcountry feasts around a roaring campfire.
Day 2
Hiking Distance: 5-6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 800 feet
Today we’ll wake up to a steaming hot drink and a hearty breakfast. We have two options for today’s hike. The first is a breath taking 6 mile round trip day hike to a summit called Crow’s Nest. This hike is a fun scramble with only moderate elevation gain, and offers amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges and three different states: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. At a wonderful spot on a high ridge we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch with amazing Tetons views as our backdrop.
The other optional day hike is to Popsicle Lake which is right on the divide and one of the highest lakes in the Teton’s. This hike is about 5 miles round trip. The hike tops out on an open ridgeline at about 10,000 feet. Popsicle Lake straddles the high divide, separating the Jedediah Smith Wilderness from Grand Teton National Park. From the divide, looking east, Moran Canyon plummets towards Jackson Lake. This is one of our favorite day hikes in the Jedediah Smith. The views simply can’t be beat, and with llama companions to help carry refreshing beverages and lunch, there isn’t a better place to be in the summer season.
After our hike we’ll return to camp and relax around another campfire and amazing backcountry dinner as the alpenglow fades over the Tetons.
Day 3
Hiking Distance: 3-4 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Today we move camp to Granite Basin Lakes which is about 3.75 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain from our first two nights’ camp. Because of today’s short distance, we will a relaxing morning and then some free time this afternoon to lake fish, swim, relax, read a book, or explore around camp. Today’s hike highlights the rocky geographical divide (at 10,000 feet) between Green Lakes and Granite Basin Lakes. This second base camp is one of our llamas’ all time favorites as it is extremely secluded and has long lush grass in every direction. Don’t be surprised if you see elk or deer as well out enjoying the grass forage in Granite Basin!
This evening we’ll settle into our new camp and dine on more fantastic backcountry cuisine prepared by your guide(s).
Day 4
Hiking Distance: 6+ miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1500 feet
Today, like on Day 2, we have two options for day hikes. One is a fantastic, rugged ascent of Little’s Peak where we will gain access to astounding views of the Tetons Range. This option is for those looking for a challenge and who are willing to earn a world class view of the Tetons.
The other possible hike for today is to Saddle Horse Point, also known as “Benchmark,” at 10,065 feet. It is less rugged and requires less elevation gain, but is still a significant hike that ends at an amazing destination and our favorite lunch spot in the Tetons. Our route takes us from camp up an old horse path to a high, open ridge above 10,000 feet. From the top we’ll enjoy a truly majestic overlook into Grand Teton National Park and far down into Leigh Canyon.
Tonight we’ll celebrate our backcountry adventure with one last feast around a final, roaring campfire.
Day 5
Hiking Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Loss: 2450 feet
Shuttle to Jackson Hole: 1.5 hours
Today our journey comes to an end but not without some more breathtaking views, llama hugs, great hiking, and a wonderful breakfast feast before our descent. Watching the sun come up over the Tetons and observing trout poke the surface of the lake nabbing insects, one can truly reflect on the beautify of these mountains. Once we are loaded up and ready to hike it’s all downhill as they say. But that’s not necessarily accurate on this adventure. There are the 14 switchbacks up to “Blister Ridge” that we must tackle before our real downhill begins. We also get to cross the divide and soak up one of the most spectacular vies of The Grand Teton. We usually arrive at the trailhead by mid afternoon and from there will unload and shuttle back to Jackson Hole for our goodbyes.
Trip Dates
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What's Included
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Pack llamas to transport the majority of gear and food
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Jackson Hole, WY; Victor, ID or Driggs, ID
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Bear safety equipment including bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Waterbottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-15% of trip cost)
Accommodations
BACKCOUNTRY SLEEPING
Tent Camping
Sleeping on llama treks is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
BACKCOUNTRY CUISINE
Fresh & Delicious
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your trekking guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
AMAZING CAMPSITES
In the Action
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
At 5:00 PM the evening before Day 1, your guide will conduct a virtual orientation meeting (via conference call) at 5:00 PM to review the packing list, communicate the first day’s logistics and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will give you the phone number for this call during the pre-trip contact, approximately 10 days before your trip start date.
Early on the morning of Day 1 your guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Driggs, Idaho; or Victor, Idaho.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel Details
This trip begins and ends in Jackson, WY, with pick-up also available in Driggs and Victor, ID.
You can fly into:
- Jackson Hole – some hotels and several transportation companies provide airport shuttles.
- Idaho Falls – small, more affordable airport; Salt Lake Express (208-656-8824) offers 2 daily shuttles between Idaho Falls and Jackson.
- Salt Lake City – Salt Lake Express (208-656-8824) and Alltrans (800-652-9510) offer daily shuttles (4.5 hours). Advance reservations required.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Jackson, Wyoming as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Start/End Times
You can expect the first day’s pick-up time to be between 5 and 7 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day no later than 7 PM.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Reviews
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Judy B
1 year agoExcellent!
Kieron, Josiah and the llamas are excellent!
Anne T
1 year agoGranite Basin area was fantastic
My llama trip to the Granite Basin area was fantastic. First, I was well prepared with the packing list. Second, when I had questions before the trip, I was able to have them answered on the phone. Third, our guides were spectacular - very knowledgeable, very enthusiastic, and always positive. And lastly, our group chemistry worked well. This trip was out of my comfort zone, and I am very glad I took part!
Barbara R
1 year agoI am already booked for another trip!
This was my fourth Wildland trek. Each one has been the "best." Enthusiastic and capable guides, routes that combine challenge with beauty. I am already booked for another trip!
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