Green Lakes Llama Trek
Jackson, WY
5.0 (4 reviews)Trip Highlights
- High Alpine Campsites
- Astounding Geologic History
- High Country Day Hikes
- Breathtaking Wildflowers
- Llama Trail Companions
- Pristine Creeks & Rivers
- 4 Alpine Lakes
Description
A fantastic 3-day or 4-day backcountry trek, the Green Lakes can be easily modified to fit almost any group’s desires. The Green Lakes area has plenty of hiking for an extended trip and also offers impressive day hikes from our base camp. The backdrop to our camp is a vast, open meadow with amazing views of the Teton Range rising to the east. (Picture the sunrise spreading over the Tetons as you eat some of the finest backcountry cuisine available!)
On this trip we hike along Badger creek to alpine basins filled with lush grass and multiple large lakes at an elevation of 9,450+ feet. We will camp near Green Lake, with beautiful Green Mountain towering above the lake. Our llama companions carry our camping gear, food, and other supplies and add a great deal of enjoyment to our trip for most guests. From camp we have the option of many different day hikes and also at the right time of day the opportunity to catch a trout jumping in the many lakes around the alpine basin. It truly is a site to see!
This trip is operated by Wildland Llamas, an authorized backpacking and llama outfitter in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
$2315 Per Person
$2520 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip has moderate-strenuous distances and elevation gains. The trail to Green Lakes is steep, and as it drops into the Green Lakes basin, the trail switchbacks on a very steep hillside, with loose rock and tight turns. If we hike to the top of Crows Nest, there is increased ruggedness and exposure. Many groups turn back before the top.
Hiking Distances:
5-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
15-25 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
2150 ft
Heights Exposure:
Light
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 15-25 pound backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain (increased if we go to the top of Crows Nest, optional)
- Hiking with light heights exposure (increased if we go to the top of Crows Nest, optional)
SOLITUDE LEVEL 4
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Tetons llama trek a solitude 4. You can expect to see a couple 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: 1.5 hours from Jackson
- Hiking Distance: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2150 feet
This Jedediah Smith Wilderness 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. Once at the trailhead we’ll pack the gear on the llamas and begin our 7-8 mile trek to our camp site nestled in an alpine basin below Green Mountain. Be prepared for a long, stunning day of hiking, with over two thousand feet of elevation gain to the Green Lake region where we’ll set up camp. From our base camp there is so much to explore and see. From wildflowers to deer and the rising sun over the Tetons this camp site is one of the best in the Tetons.
After setting up camp, exploring, soaking up the natural beauty of this place, and possibly some guests wetting a line in Green Lake, we’ll get a roaring campfire going and settle in camp for a much deserved feast!
Day 2
- Hiking Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 680+ feet
Today we’ll start with a hearty breakfast and steaming hot cups of coffee, tea or hot chocolote as we watch morning vapor rise off of Green Lake. Today features a hike that takes us 6 miles round trip from our camp to Crow’s Nest, a spectacular vantage point to view the Grand Teton and surrounding mountains and valleys. Our route provides some fun scrambling with only moderate elevation gain. At the top we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning views of the surrounding mountains ranges and three different states: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. This is an extremely scenic lunch location so make sure to pack your camera and feel free to soak in the light breeze and solitude while your llamas get their much earned rest.
After lunch we will descend back to camp and have a few hours to enjoy the lake and the area around camp. This is another great window for some fishing for anyone interested. We’ll enjoy another bountiful dinner and campfire before turning in for some much deserved sleep.
Day 3 (4-Day Trip Only)
- Hiking Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 750 feet
On Day 3 of the 4-day itinerary we will hike to “Popsicle Lake,” a name coined by a local outfitter. This hike is approximately 5 miles round trip and tops out on an open ridgeline at about 10,000 feet. Popsicle Lake straddles the high divide, separating the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and 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 – it is absolutely spectacular! 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.
Final Day
- Hiking Distance: 8 miles
- Elevation Loss: 2150 feet
- Shuttle to Jackson: 1.5 hours
Today our journey comes to an end but not without some more views, great hiking, llama hugs, and a wonderful backcountry breakfast shared by all before our descent. Watching the sun come up over the Tetons and trout enjoying a sunrise meal at the surface of the lake encourages reflection as we contemplate the beauty of the backcountry. Everything just feels right out here. 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.” From there, it’s all downhill to the trailhead. We usually arrive about 3:30 pm, and from there we will unload, share some laughs about our journey and drive back to Jackson Hole for our final good byes.
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 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
- 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, 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?
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.
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
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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- HIGH - LOW
Andrew B
Had a Great Time
I got a phone call last minute that one of the backpackers could not make the trip. A few phone calls and an airplane ride later we were loaded up and marching up the hill with Noah/Sam (guides) and the coolest llama of all - "La Grand". We spent the evenings listening Noah's adventures and eating good food. Day hikes were planned, and we adjusted to accomplish everything on the list despite the weather. Safety was very clearly #1 The whole trip felt like we were a welcomed guest in someone's house thanks to our guides. Home away from home. Thank you, Noah/Sam! Looking forward to our next adventure with Wildland.
Megan D.
Exceptional Trip
Laura, Ben and the llamas made our trip exceptional. Laura was smart, professional and gracious. Ben was friendly, a great conversationalist and also very knowledgeable. And we loved the llamas, they made the trip for us! We we always felt safe and well fed. Great job Laura and Ben!
Becky C.
Our Trip was Perfect
We didn’t get to Green Lake because it was snowed in, but our trip was perfect. Laura and Ben couldn’t have been any better as guides or chefs. We were very well cared for. The llamas were a joy to be around. (Well, okay, Boone was a bit ornery, but he sure made us laugh!)
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