Granite Basin Loop Llama Trek
Jackson, WY
5.0 (8 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Stunning Tetons Views
- Hike Below the Grand Teton
- Little’s Peak & Saddle Horse Point
- Abundant Wildlife Habitat
- Llama Trail Companions
- Lake & River Fishing
- Relaxing Layover Day
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
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.
$2615 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
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.
Hiking Distances:
4-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-20 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 2600 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb backpack for 6-8 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
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.
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
- 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.
- 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)
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
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 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.
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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Zoe B
Unforgettable Experience
Our guides (and llamas!) worked so hard to make a backcountry trip accessible to those with differing ability levels. An unforgettable experience that could not have been achieved without Wildland Trekking.
Scott S
Amazing
Our llama trek was amazing. The scenery was amazing. Our guides were two of the best we have ever had. They made certain that everyone was wel taken care of and was having a great time. I highly recommend this trip.
Toni M
Another great hike with Wildland
Yet again, another great hike with Wildland Trekking. Josh is a great asset i. e. "awesome opossum." He is knowledgable, energetic and a great chef. The trails we explored were beautiful. Granite Basin itinerary is "just right." Four nights but only two camps allowed for stunning hikes AND time to relax at the end of the day.
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