Boulder Lake to Green River Lakes
Jackson, WY
5.0 (22 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Point to Point Adventure
- Tremendous Alpine Hiking
- 50+ Miles of the Wind River Range
- Green River Headwaters
- Pristine Camps Near Rivers & Lakes
- Mountain Solitude
- Dramatic Night Skies
Description
This hike is an epic Wind River adventure and our longest and most demanding trip in Wyoming. It’s also a thru-hike, as we hike point to point across approximately half the length of the range. It encompasses all that the mountains of Wyoming have to offer: incredible views of the Continental Divide, pristine campsites along the shores of lakes and streams, alpine hiking, a possible peak ascent, opportunities to fish for those with gear, and an overall authentic wilderness experience.
Our journey begins in Jackson Hole, where we pick you up at your hotel for a shuttle to the trailhead, which is approximately two hours. We enter the wilderness at Boulder Lake, hiking quickly into the high country of the Winds. The rest of the trip takes us up and over high passes, down into valleys, across alpine plateaus, and along the edge of the massive peaks of the Continental Divide. We hike through the headwaters of the Green River (which after 730 miles joins the Colorado River in Utah), and down to Green River Lakes for the completion of our trek.
The Wildland Trekking Company operates under a permit issued by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and is an equal opportunity service provider.
$2235 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 5
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip has multiple elements that increase the difficulty, notably altitude, river crossings, pack weights, elevation gain on many days, long hiking distances and rugged wilderness conditions. In some areas there can be significant numbers of trees down over the trail, which increases ruggedness. In short, be prepared for a challenging, invigorating experience you’ll never forget!
Hiking Distances:
Up to 10 mi
Backpack Weight:
45+ lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 45+ lb backpack for 8+ hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
- Crossing creeks and rivers which can require wading and/or walking on slippery river rocks
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Wind River backpacking trip a solitude 3. You can expect to have hours of solitude at a time, and to see several other groups of hikers per day.
MINIMUM OF 2 GUESTS
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
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
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 2 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 10 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3000 feet
- Elevation Loss: 900 feet
The first day of our Wind River Range backpacking adventure begins with pickup at your hotel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We’ll soak up the Wyoming landscapes on our drive to the trailhead, which takes us west through the Wind River and Hoback River valleys, then along the western edge of the Wind River Range. Once at the trailhead, our thru-hike begins!
We’ll head upstream along Boulder Creek, through open meadows and past a chain of lakes including Lake Ethel and Eds Lake. We gain a significant amount of elevation today (nearly 2000 feet) and by the end of the day we’re very near treeline. We’ll make camp on the shores of Lake Christina, a beautiful high mountain lake surrounded by meadows and open forests. We’ll settle around a campfire and enjoy a big dinner before turning in.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1900 feet
- Elevation Loss: 800 feet
After a hearty breakfast we’ll hit the trail again, which today takes us up and over our first alpine pass. Initially we’ll continue through more meadows and open forests, and past several more mountain lakes, before we approach treeline. Then as the trees shrink and disappear, we’ll be hit with some of our first fantastic views. We’ll be hiking below North Fork Peak (13,175 feet), a towering monolith, as we approach Hat Pass (10,848 feet). From the top of the pass our views will stretch from the peaks of the Continental Divide to the Tetons far in the distance. We’ll relax at the pass – weather permitting – and enjoy a big lunch before descending into Fall Creek drainage, where we’ll camp for the night.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2200 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2000 feet
We’ll rise to the prospects of another exciting day in the mountains, as Day 3 is going to take us through more breathtaking high country with tremendous views of the Continental Divide. With Angel Peak (12,402 feet) framing the view to our east, we’ll climb up over 11,000 feet and stay high much of the day. It’s a day full of mesmerizing views and incredible photo opportunities. We’ll eventually drop into the Pole Creek drainage and camp on the shores of Tommy Lake that evening, which sits well over 10,000 feet and will give us a phenomenal view of the sunset. Another tasty dinner around a campfire will top today off before we settle down for some much-deserved sleep.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 2+ miles
- Elevation Gain: varies
Today is a layover day to enjoy where we are, allow our muscles and joints to recuperate, and possibley (for very strong, ambitious groups) attempt to summit a nearby peak for more incredible views. At the very least we’ll enjoy a short hike to explore an obscure pocket of the Wind River Range, eat like kings and queens, do some fishing (for those who brought gear), and get some much deserved rest.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1600 feet
Today’s hike takes us below Mount Lester, and from there across alpine tundra and boulderfields. We’ll stay above treeline most of today, with views of massive peaks – FremontPeak (13,745 feet) and Jackson Peak (13,517 feet) – dominating our view to the east. We’ll also get our first glimpses of Squaretop Mountain in the distance, which is one of the most distinct mountains in the Wind River Range, and it marks our exit point near Green River Lakes.
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 10 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
- Elevation Loss: 3500 feet
Today is a truly special day as we’ll be hiking through the headwaters of the Green River, which exits the Wind River Range and flows 730 miles southwest where it combines with the might Colorado River in Utah. The Green River is the most significant tributary to the Colorado, both of whose waters flow through the Grand Canyon and into Southern California.
We’ll get an early start due to our long mileage (10 miles). Our day begins with more alpine hiking as we ascend to Shannon Pass (11,200 feet), which sits below Stroud Peak (12,720 feet) and Mount Oeneis (12,232 feet). We’ll drop down from Shannon Pass, then go over another pass – Vista Pass – which offers our first views into the Green River Valley. We’ll drop into the Green River and follow it downstream, past many side creeks, to our camp at a large open meadow along the Green River.
Day 7
- Hiking Mileage: 12 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1500 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1800 feet
- Shuttle to Jackson Hole: 2 hours
On our last day we’ll continue downstream along the Green River, with Squaretop Mountain framing our view to the west. We’ll come to the picturesque Green River Lakes, and follow their shores to our trailhead. Then it’s a 2-hour shuttle back to Jackson Hole and the conclusion of this amazing trip.
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
- 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
- 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.
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Jackson Hole, WY; Victor, ID or Driggs, ID
- 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)
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% 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, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- Bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
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!
Trip Logistics
How do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 10 and older to join private tours, with final approval on a case by case basis
- specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Weather Around Yellowstone
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 backpacking trips 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 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 Reviews
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Nick K
The Wind River Range is Breathtaking
Boulder Lake to Green River Lakes is an absolutely beautiful and challenging trek. My guides, Noah and Ericka were incredibly skilled and fun operators. They literally carried the whole experience on their backs. From the confident routing, time management, and attention to safety, to the humor, amazing meals, and backcountry experience they brought the the trek, I can't imagine a better pair of guides. The Wind River Range itself is breathtaking due to the high mountain passes, visible glaciers, and alpine lakes. As it is at high elevation and there are tremendous trails to conquer, I am glad I took my pre-hike training seriously that I could enjoy the scenery, food, and company on this awesome trek.
James R
This is a beautiful route through the Winds.
This is a beautiful route through the winds. Our guides were great, and the trip was well planned. Only two caveats you should know, both of which are spelled out in the trip description, but worth emphasizing. First, a part of the trail is the continental divide trail, and so you will see a fair number of other hikers on the path. Second, even after training for a few months, I found the trip very challenging for my cardio-vascular system and legs: the altitude is no joke! Combined with the elevation gain and weight of the pack, I was pretty exhausted every night. On the other hand, I just turned 60, live at sea-level, am only somewhat fit, and had never been on a backpacking trip before. So the fact that I could complete the trip at all means that maybe you can too! Guides were very supportive.
Gail M
Great Trip!
Great trip! Difficult- Yes! Worth it - YES! Our guide, Andrew, was amazing- great food, great rapport, helpful and knowledgeable
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