Badger Creek Llama Trek
Jackson, WY
5.0 (9 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Roar of Badger Creek
- Summit Mountain Peaks
- Tetons' Mountains & Valleys
- Remote Wilderness
- Abundant Wildlife
- Llama Trail Companions
- Hike with Light Daypack
Description
If experiencing the Tetons and spending 3 to 4 days in Wyoming’s stunning high country is what you are seeking then this is the trip for you! This trip accommodates a broad variety of guests, from novice hikers/campers, families, and those with limited time to people with extensive backcountry experience looking to challenge themselves. With a moderate hike to a serene base camp and two options for strenuous and less strenuous day hikes (both to high peaks) our Badger Creek trip is one of variety and seclusion.
There is an immense amount of scenery to be seen in just 3-4 days. Our llama companions will pack in refreshing drinks, exquisite backcountry cuisine and top of the line camping equipment for you. With high mountain passes, lone peaks stretching over 10,000 feet in elevation, streams, creeks and meadows to call home for 3-4 days, this is truly a magnificent location. Make sure to bring your camera to capture some of these rare Wyoming views. Badger Creek is well-situated for a shorter trek, yet provides surprisingly deep access into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness with all the views you would get from a 5-7 day trip.
This trip is operated by Wildland Llamas, an authorized backpacking and llama outfitter in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
$1995 Per Person
$2215 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Overall this trip has moderate distances and elevation gains. Thanks to the llamas, our backpack weights are on the lighter side. The main difficulties on this trip come from some of the options for day hikes, some of which are strenuous and rugged. These hikes are optional though, and for groups that prefer easier options, they are available.
Hiking Distances:
5-6 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-20 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
1400 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 4
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Tetons llama trip a solitude 4. You can expect to see a couple other groups of hikers per day.
This trip begins and ends in Jackson, Wyoming. Jackson has an airport served by United, Delta, and American Airlines. A Black Car Service (307-413-2572) provides private airport shuttles (advance reservations are recommended.)
You can also fly into:
- Idaho Falls – small, more affordable airport; can meet your guide in Driggs, ID instead of Jackson; requires a car rental
- Salt Lake City – Salt Lake Express (800-356-9796 or 208-656-8824) and Alltrans (800-652-9510) offer daily shuttles (4.5 hours). Advance reservations required.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
First Day
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 1.5 hours
- Hiking Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation Loss: 650 feet
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
This Tetons Llama Trek begins with pickup at your hotel in Jackson Hole (custom trips can also originate from Driggs or Victor, ID). We’ll drive up and over famous Jackson Pass and down into the beautiful Driggs Valley before arriving at our trailhead. After packing up and completing a llama orientation we’ll start off on our 5.5-mile trek to our 2-night or 3-night basecamp.
Our moderate hike begins by descending 1 mile downhill from the trailhead to beautiful Bader Creek which is the only location that offers this in the Tetons (initial downhill hiking). Once we complete our big descent and capture the scenic views at the junction of Badger Creek and North Leigh Creek we hike a mile further and find ourselves in a beautiful opening that offers sounds of the rushing creek, cool crisp air, and of course a hearty lunch in the shade under the pine tree canopy above. After lunch we begin our ascent along Badger Creek for another 4 miles into our secluded and spacious camp. This camp site has great access to water and protection from the elements as well as solitude.
Middle 1-2 Days
- Hiking Distance: 4-5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1000-1300 feet
From our camp site we have two amazing options for day hikes which make this a fantastic 4 day trip as well if you are interested in “setting it all”. Both the day hikes offer magnificent views of the Tetons and surrounding mountain ranges, albeit from different vantage points.
After a hearty breakfast and hot coffee we will determine which hike we want to embark on for the day, both being spectacular peak climbs. Once we have decided which summit we want to stand on top of and vistas we want to soak up we will begin our ascent into the high peaks. As we begin to ascend we see both the Driggs and Teton valleys in the distance and may catch a glimpse of the Tetons’ sharp, glaciated summits piercing the blue sky.
We will have lunch at a high pass with views into the prominent canyons of Grand Teton National Park and spend the day above tree line soaking in the views. We will have a good chance of seeing elk or deer below us in the meadows from our high vantage point. After a full day (or two) soaked with breath taking views, and the creation of lasting memories we will start our descent back to camp where we will enjoy a feast for dinner.
Final Day
- Hiking Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation Loss: 800 feet
- Elevation Gain: 650 feet
- Shuttle to Jackson Hole: 1.5 hours
On our last day together we will enjoy a relaxing breakfast and share some of our favorite parts of our journey. After our relaxing morning we will pack up our gear and with our llama companions begin the trek back down to the trailhead where we started our trip. Once at the trailhead, we’ll say our good-byes to the peaks, creeks and meadows we called home for a few days as we drive back to Jackson Hole. With a fond farewell, we’ll drop you off at your hotel for much-deserved showers and relaxation.
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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Pack llamas to transport the majority of gear and food
- One or more professional, knowledgeable, certified Wyoming hiking guides
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Jackson, Wyoming to the trailhead and back
- Bear safety equipment including bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
- You will receive a Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and your kids to a lifetime discount of 10% off any Wildland Trekking hiking trip after your first one!
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Waterbottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-15% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What To Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Sierra Designs or Mountain Hardware tents
- Sierra Designs, Kelty, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Mountain Safety Research cooking stoves
- Mountain Safety Research cookware
- Bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
What Gear To Bring
We ask that you supply a couple of gear items on your hiking tour. These items are two 1-liter waterbottles per person, either a headlamp or flashlight per person, and a lightweight waterproof stuff sac for your clothes and belongings. Basic items like sunscreen, bug repellent (where and when applicable), lip balm, and toiletries are also important.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
What Clothes to Bring
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with detailed guidance about what clothes to pack (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, and our recommended clothing system. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks are also required.
Trip Logistics
Where Do We Meet?
Your guide will conduct a virtual orientation meeting (via conference call) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins 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.
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 Considerations
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional Wyoming hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. We’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an emergency, and all tours carry an emergency communication device. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Guides
Your tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, training in llama-handling, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Group Size
The standard ratio of guests to guides on llama trips is 1 guide for 1-4 guests; 2 guides for 5-8 guests; and 3 guides for 9-10 guests. Private trips can have can have up to 12 guests. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 800-715-HIKE (4453) and we’ll answer all your questions.
Weather in Northern Wyoming
Being a Northern mountain environment, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. This is an exciting aspect of being in Wyoming’s mountains. On trips in June, snow is a slight possibility, and the rest of the summer you’re likely to get rained on at least once during your trip. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). See below for average summer temperatures around Yellowstone:
Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 70° | 42° |
| July | 80° | 47° |
| August | 78° | 45° |
| September | 68° | 37° |
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
Of course campsites vary tremendously 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 llama trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Reviews
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Lisa W.
Amazing Guide, Complete Experience
Our guide Laura was amazing. She is a great cook. She shared tons of info on the area, wildlife, llamas, trees, flowers, rocks. She was very patient with a member of our group who struggled with the hiking. She ensured we had a great, complete trekking experience.
Ann K.
Guides Provided an Amazing Experience
Thad & Andrew made this trip an amazing experience. The two of them complimented eachother’s personalities. They went above and beyond to provide our private group an adventure of a lifetime. Thad’s knowledge and expertise of hiking (and outdoor adventures in general) was astounding. His respect for nature and his ability to interact with people of all ages was greatly appreciated. And Thad’s knowledge of medical conditions was also very much appreciated. Andrew’s kind-hearted personality, knowledge of nature and his passion for adventure impressed me immensely. And my oh my Andrew can cook! So, THANK YOU for ALL that you did for us Thad & Andrew! A+ rating on all accounts!
Jon S.
Everything was Top Notch
The location, hiking choices, and outfitting were all top notch. Thad and Andrew were both exceptional as guides, cooks and as true professionals.
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