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Spring Creek TH to Green River Lakes TH is a beautiful 5-day backpacking trip in the Wyoming Wind River Range. No crowds, alpine lakes, majestic granite mountains, and wildlife makes this trip spectacular!
DAY 1 - SPRING CREEK TH TO TRAPPER LAKE
Shuttle cars to park one vehicle at the Green River Lakes Trailhead (about 40 minutes outside of Pinedale, Wyoming) and return back to Pinedale to begin at the Spring Creek Trailhead. Begin hiking making your way to Trapper Lakes. There are several wonderful camping spots along Trapper Lake, especially on the N/NE point for sunset and sunrise views, easy water access, and solitude. Look for elk, deer, and beavers. Total hiking = 8 miles.
DAY 2 - TRAPPER LAKE TO SUMMIT LAKE
Begin the day uphill making your way to Summit Lake, the high point of the trip at about 10,500 feet above sea level. Passing Borum Lake, there are some great picnic spots to enjoy a snack and view of the higher alpine peaks. There are several alpine lakes along this entire trip, all perfect for a quick dip and fresh water to filter. Set up camp near the NE shore of Summit Lake, tucked in amongst the trees. Look for wolf prints in the sand along the lake shore; they usually travel through the Green River Pass area. Total hiking = 5 miles.
DAY 3 - SUMMIT LAKE TO ELBOW LAKE [REST DAY OPTIONAL]
Plan to spend one more night up at Summit Lake and go for a day trip to Elbow Lake. Thunderstorm dependent, this trail is highly exposed and remains above 10,000 feet to spectacular mountain views, wildlife, and more alpine lakes. End the day back at Summit Lake for night two. Total hiking = rest day or 6 miles.
DAY 4 - SUMMIT LAKE TO BEAVER PARK
Pack up and hike down Green River Pass to Beaver Park along the Green River meadows. This day travels downhill, traveling to the Green River (a river everyone must see once in their lifetime). Look for pika and marmots on your way down through some talus, they love the boulders. Camp in the meadows before crossing a large man-made bridge traveling over the rushing river and some mini waterfalls. Total hiking = 7 miles.
DAY 5 - BEAVER PARK TO GREEN RIVER LAKES TRAILHEAD
Hike from Beaver Park to the Green River Lakes Trailhead. Today is about a fairly flat hike following the river bed for a long distance. As you round the corner, the infamous Square Top Mountain will be on your left. Expect to see the first people for days near Squaretop; many people make this a day hike or one-night out and back trip from the GRL Trailhead. Enjoy the views, the meadows, and the unique green hue of the river. The hike ends at the trailhead where there are some public bathrooms. Total hiking = 9 miles.