JACKSON FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Five Days of Pack-String Travel: Saddle, Creek, and Wall-Tent Nights out of Jackson
A 5-day, 4-night guided pack trip from Jackson that combines multi-day horseback travel, fly-fishing opportunities, cowboy-camp meals and wall-tent camping—this guide lays out the itinerary, logistics, and packing essentials.
Five Days of Pack-String Travel: Saddle, Creek, and Wall-Tent Nights out of Jackson.
Set against the wide skies and alpine passes outside Jackson, this five-day Lewis and Clark Explorer Pack Trip follows rugged trails by horse, sleeps under canvas in wall tents, and punctuates long ride days with fishing, campfire meals, and regular wildlife sightings.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
Key stops and what to expect along the five-day route.
Check-in — Willow Creek staging
Check in at 8:00 a.m. at the Willow Creek location (9500 S. Bryan Flats Rd) to load gear and prepare for the short drive to the Horse Creek Trailhead.
Horse Creek Trailhead to Spike Base Camp
After a roughly 20-minute drive to the trailhead and getting familiar with horses, the group departs and completes about a 3 1/2-hour ride (split by a lunch stop) to Spike Base Camp for the first night.
Spike to Granite Creek (high-pass ride)
A rugged, roughly 6-hour ride over a high mountain pass takes the group from Spike to Granite Creek camp—the scenery and views open up dramatically on this stretch.
Free day at Granite Creek
A full day of optional activities at Granite Creek: lounge at camp, fish Granite Creek and nearby beaver ponds, hike local passes, or take an additional ride from camp.
Horse Creek main camp and Turquoise Lake stop
Travel light to the main Horse Creek camp with a mid-ride lunch and fishing stop at Turquoise Lake on a 5–6 hour riding day, then settle into camp for the evening.
Return ride to Horse Creek Trailhead
On day five the group rides approximately 2 1/2 hours from main camp back to the Horse Creek trailhead, arriving around mid-afternoon and returning participants to their vehicles or lodgings in Jackson.
Riders should be prepared for long days in the saddle and rugged trail conditions; one scheduled ride is described as not suitable for nervous or timid riders, and the operator may adjust routes as conditions require.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Riding over high passes to Granite Creek
The route includes sustained riding days that move the group from Spike Base Camp over a high mountain pass to Granite Creek, delivering expansive views for miles in all directions.
Cowboy camp meals and wall-tent nights
Evenings center on traditional cowboy meals served by a camp cook in the dining tent or around the fire, with participants settling into provided wall tents and cots for backcountry nights.
Fishing, hiking and wildlife from camp
The itinerary includes a free day at Granite Creek with options to fish nearby creeks and beaver ponds, hike local passes, or take shorter rides from camp while watching for moose, deer and other wildlife.
What the day feels like
What five days on the trail feel like
The trip unfolds as a classic pack-string backcountry traverse: check in at the Willow Creek location, trailer with the group to the Horse Creek Trailhead, then mount for multi-hour rides that move camp twice before returning to the trailhead. Between longer travel days and a full free day at Granite Creek, the pace alternates sustained riding with downtime for fishing, short hikes and camp-based relaxation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack long pants and closed-toe shoes for riding, rain gear, loafing shoes for camp, layered warm clothing (evenings and mornings can dip into the 40s), hat/sunglasses, toiletries and sunscreen, two 32-oz water bottles, swimwear and a lightweight towel, and a camera; cellular service is mostly unavailable.
Guides and the camp cook provide all meals and snacks, tents, sleeping bags, cots, horses and fishing gear; guests who prefer to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow should notify the operator in advance.
Bring extra socks and a change of clothing, chap-stick and basic medications, bug spray, washcloth and any personal toiletries; riding requires closed-toe shoes and long pants.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time and where is check-in?
Check-in is at 8:00 a.m. at the Willow Creek Horseback Rides location (9500 S. Bryan Flats Rd, Jackson, WY).
How long is the trip?
The trip duration is 5 days and 4 nights.
What is the minimum and maximum group size?
Trips run with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10 people.
What gear and supplies does the operator provide?
The guide and camp cook provide meals, snacks, tents, sleeping bags, cots, horses and fishing gear.
Is there an age minimum?
Participants must be at least 12 years old.
Can I bring my own sleeping bag?
Yes—if you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, notify the operator ahead of time.
Are there opportunities to fish on the trip?
Yes—fishing is available at stops such as Turquoise Lake and near Granite Creek and the beaver ponds, and fishing gear is provided.
Will I have cell service on the trip?
Cellular service is mostly unavailable in the backcountry areas visited on this trip.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-14T12:08:30.320Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.