Granite Basin Loop Llama Trek

• Shuttle to Trailhead: 1.5 hours
• Hiking Distance: 8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2150 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 seven 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 about half way at a beautiful boulder field opening right next to the creek bed. After lunch we hike another 4 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

• Hiking Distance: 5-6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 680+ 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 from 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 our lunch menu 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.

• Hiking Distance: 4-5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 875 feet

Today we move camp to Granite Basin Lakes which is about 3.75 miles and 590 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).

• Hiking Distance: 6+ miles
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1700-2600 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. With over 2400 feet of elevation gain you and your llama companions will merit a hearty lunch and a filling last super.

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.

• 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.