Turquoise Lake Llama Trek
Jackson, WY
4.9 (13 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Pristine Valleys & High Ridges
- Stunning Mountain Views
- Mountain Solitude
- Pristine Campsites
- Refreshing Granite Hot Springs
- Breathtaking Alpine Ridge Hike
- Abundant Wildlife Habitat
Description
If you’re wanting a lot of “bang for your buck” in terms of time, then this trip is for you! We pack an amazing amount of hiking, scenery, and diversity into a 5-day trip. This Jackson Hole area hiking trip is a fantastic early season trip (late June and July) and a great one for wildflowers and wildlife. There are abundant opportunities to see elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, fox, wolves, bears, eagles, osprey and other wildlife!
Originating just 45 minutes from Jackson Hole, our hike takes us up majestic Granite Creek, where we’ll soak up incredible views of the high country. We’ll set up camp along Granite Creek the first night, then make our way to beautiful Turquoise Lake on Day 2, where we’ll spend two nights. Day 3 offers the opportunity to summit a nearby peak with incredible views, and Days 4 and 5 take us back down the valley, soaking up the magic all the way. We end our trip near the historic Granite Hot Springs, where guests get to have a soak while the guides pack up the gear and get the llama loaded.
Llamas carry most of the gear so you can hike with only a light day pack, which is a wonderful way to experience the backcountry! Camps are in scenic locations, where your guide(s) will cook up some remarkable backcountry meals, and the stars at night are unparalleled!
$2360 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Our hike to Turquoise Lake is steadily uphill for both days. The trail is maintained but rocky and rugged in much of the time. If we hike up Cache Peak, it is mostly off-trail and difficult hiking.
Hiking Distances:
6-7 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-20 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
2250 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 5
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Jackson Hole Llama Trek a solitude 5. You can expect to see one or two 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: 45 minutes
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
This Jackson Hole Area llama trek begins in Jackson, where we’ll pick you up at your hotel for transport to the trailhead. Our hike takes us along Granite Creek, one of the most majestic and beautiful rivers near Jackson Hole. It’s crystal clear waters make for excellent drinking, fishing and soaking tired feet! We’ll hike in and out of forests, through stunning meadows, and along the banks of the creek, always keeping an eye out for wildlife. This valley is famous for being home to lots of moose, and we’ll also watch out for elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears and wolves.
We’ll make camp at the edge of a meadow overlooking Granite Creek. Once camp is set up you’ll have some time to enjoy the area by strolling through the meadows, photographing wildflowers, fishing, glassing for wildlife, or just relaxing. This evening we’ll build a roaring campfire and eat a hearty backcountry dinner as the fading light of the late, northern sunset settles in the west. What a day to be alive!
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1500 feet
Today we’ll enjoy a stunningly beautiful hike along Granite Creek as it ascends into the subalpine zone. Our route takes us further upstream along Granite Creek to subalpine forests and lush meadows. Our destination is Turquoise Lake, a charming lake tucked into the high country of these spectacular mountains. We’ll set up camp and have a couple hours to enjoy the lake and surrounding area. You can soak up the high alititude sun rays from the shores of the lake, wet a line (for those who like to fish), go on wildflower walks, take photographs, or just relax. We’ll reconvene for a roaring campfire and fantastic dinner to cap off this amazing day.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: varies
- Elevation Gain/Loss: varies
Today we’ll sleep in and enjoy a feast of a breakfast, hot coffee or tea, and a relaxing morning. It’s a layover day to do with what we please. There are several fantastic day hiking options that your guide will present to you, or you’re welcome to relax in camp, fish, or spend the day however you would like. Many guests choose to climb Cache Peak (10,384′) which is a 4 mile roundtrip hike from camp, and offers absolutely stunning views of the Tetons and all mountains around Jackson Hole. It’s a rare opportunity to have a day to spend in a place as beautiful as this!
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Loss: 1500 feet
Today we leave the high country behind and begin descending back down Granite Creek. It’s amazing how different this perspective is from the hike in, when we were staring at the high country and lush alpine peaks of the Gros Ventre Wilderness. Now, as we hike, we’re gazing at a series of lush valleys, cut by ancient rivers, and distant peaks on the horizon. We’ll keep a sharp eye out for wildlife, as today is an excellent opportunity to see moose and elk. We’ll set up camp along Granite Creek and enjoy one last celebratory dinner in the backcountry.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Loss: 1000 feet
- Shuttle to Jackson Hole: 45 minutes
We’ll enjoy a big breakfast and relaxing morning before leisurely breaking camp. Today’s hike takes us back down Granite Creek to our trailhead. Once back at the trailhead, you’ll have the wonderful opportunity to soak at Granite Hot Springs, which is an established hot spring pool in one of the most picturesque valleys you can imagine, while the guide gets the trailers loaded. Soak your tired muscles in steaming, thermal-fed water while you reflect on the past three days. Once the guide is done packing up and everyone has soaked, we’ll shuttle back to Jackson Hole for the conclusion of our journey.
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 and a dedicated llama handler
- One or more professional, knowledgeable, certified Jackson Hole hiking guides (max guest to guide ratio is 6:1, not including the llama handler)
- 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 solid guiding backgrounds, 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 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) and we’ll answer all your questions.
Hiking with Llamas
Ideally you desire to be on a trip with llamas, by this we mean that a trip with stock animals is different than a backpacking trip in many ways. One big difference is that it takes time for your guide to get all the animals loaded and ready to go in the morning and to unload gear and care for them once we arrive in camp. Also the pace of a llama trip can be a bit slower than you would walk without a pack and you’ll be expected to hike with the group.
On a llama trip the animals tend to take on a focus of the trip. These trips are most rewarding when the clients want to interact with and help out with caring for the llamas. The tradeoff for not having to carry a large backpack is that llamas do require extra work from their guide/handlers. If you are choosing a llama trip solely on the basis of not having to carry a backpack and do not wish to interact with a llama, you need to speak honestly with your Adventure Consultant about this and potentially add another Wildland Guide to your trip to cover the extra workload of caring for the llamas.
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 this trip 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
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 backpacking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Reviews
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Andrew P
Fantastic Trip!
What a fantastic trip! Everything about it was an amazing experience in the wilds of Wyoming and our guides, Katie and Matt made it an especially comfortable adventure. They so have it together and their experience was critical to our success. The llamas helped with the burden of our gear, but I especially loved hiking with them because they made the experience ancient and eternal. They have been traveling like this for thousands of years and it was easy to feel connected to generations that passed through this country before us under more difficult circumstances. The terrain is glorious—meadows, mountains, streams and wildflowers—and we only saw two other hikers in our first three days. And just three more after that. The solitude and nature were beautiful. We had some rain for two days which changed our plans and tested our love of nature and so we hiked out a day early. Even that was a fun and rich experience. Katie and Matt contacted WT and when we arrived at the trailhead campground we were greeted by a warm tent and cots setup by the llama wranglers, Beau Baty, Marshall Anderson, and Tyson. And Tyson was only two days away from getting married! That lucky woman is marrying one gracious man. Their hospitality and concern were incredibly generous, and they provided a welcome finish to a great adventure. Everything about this trip was glorious including the challenges. Our guides Katie and Matt were two of the hardest working, gracious people I’ve ever met, and they were intent on making sure we had the proper gear, good meals, and a great trip. And we did! We will use WT again in the future and remember this trip for a long time.
DeLisa W
Above anything we'd expected
The only reason why the trip was good rather than excellent was the near constant rain, which no one could control. Our guides were amazing in enriching our experience and helping us overcome challenges. In addition, coming back to the trailhead early because of the rain and finding the amazing set up at the campground provided by Beau Baty, Marshall and Tyson, with a warm wood fire stove, cots and shelter from the rain were over and above anything we’d expected. Thank you all, for thinking of our comfort during the disappointing weather.
Lizzie B.
Fantastic Trip!
This company can’t be beat! The guides and the llamas are fantastic! We have had two incredible trips with them. Everything was perfect! I was traveling with younger kids and the guides did such a beautiful job of making it fun both times! The destinations, the gear, the food...all of it! We will be back for a third trip next summer!
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