Saddle to Turquoise Lake: The Jim Bridger 4-Day Pack Trip out of Jackson

JACKSON FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Saddle to Turquoise Lake: The Jim Bridger 4-Day Pack Trip out of Jackson

A four-day, three-night guided horseback pack trip from Willow Creek Horseback Rides into Wyoming backcountry — this guide lays out the route, what’s included, and what to expect on the trail and at camp.

Saddle to Turquoise Lake: The Jim Bridger 4-Day Pack Trip out of Jackson.

Duration
4 Days, 3 Nights
Location
Jackson
Operator
Willow Creek Horseback Rides
Category
Fishing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This is a classic Wyoming backcountry pack trip: four days and three nights on horseback from Willow Creek into high-alpine country, with a base camp of wall tents, cowboy-cooked meals, fishing at mountain streams and Turquoise Lake, and open-sky evenings around the campfire.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LAKE

Turquoise Lake — High-alpine fishing and picnic

A two-hour ride through wildflower fields reaches Turquoise Lake, ringed by granite outflow streams and snowcapped peaks; the lake is noted for brook trout and is a favorite stop for anglers and picnic lunches.

THE CAMP

Base camp — Wall tents, cowboy meals, and campfire nights

Riders arrive at a staffed base camp in the afternoon, settle into wall tents, fish nearby streams or beaver ponds, and gather in a dining tent for traditional cowboy-cooked suppers and campfire s'mores.

THE RIDE

Three days in the saddle — measured stages and scenic segments

The trail program strings together measured ride segments (including a roughly three-hour first-day ride broken into two 1.5-hour sections and a two-hour approach to the lake), allowing time for fishing, exploring, and relaxed pacing.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

The trip unfolds at a slow, deliberate pace: morning check-in and a short drive to the trailhead, mounted stretches through meadows and granite country, an afternoon arrival at a remote wall-tent camp, and a full day riding to an alpine lake where fishing and picnic lunches set the rhythm before the group returns to camp for another evening of camp-cooked meals and stories by the fire.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Active families with older childrenAppropriate for families traveling with children aged 8 and up; the operator specifies an age minimum of 8 years.
2
Anglers and casual fishersA good match for travelers who want to fish: the itinerary includes fishing opportunities at streams, beaver ponds, and Turquoise Lake.
3
First-time pack-trip campersSuitable for those new to overnight pack trips—measured ride segments, provided meals, and included camping equipment make it accessible while still offering a genuine backcountry experience.
4
Travelers requiring strict schedules or mobility limitsNot ideal for those who cannot ride horses or who need a rigid itinerary—the trip relies on horseback travel and guides may alter the plan for conditions or guest preferences.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration & timing

Four days and three nights; departures available Monday through Friday with guides adjusting the itinerary based on conditions and preferences.

Meeting & logistics

Check in at 8 a.m. at Willow Creek Horseback Rides, 9500 S. Bryan Flats Rd, Jackson, WY; expect a roughly 30-minute drive to the Granite Creek trailhead from the ranch.

Included

Horses, meals, fishing and camping equipment are included as part of the trip package.

What to bring

Pack personal items and weather-appropriate clothing for alpine conditions; the operator provides primary camping and fishing equipment as noted in the trip details.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

Four days and three nights.

Where do we meet and when?

Check in at 8 a.m. at Willow Creek Horseback Rides, 9500 S. Bryan Flats Rd, Jackson, WY.

Are horses and equipment provided?

Yes — horses, meals, fishing and camping equipment are included.

What age is appropriate for participants?

The trip is available to guests aged 8 and older.

Is there fishing on the trip and what species can I expect?

Yes — fishing opportunities include streams, beaver ponds and Turquoise Lake, which is noted for brook trout.

When do we ride to Turquoise Lake?

On the second day after breakfast the group rides approximately two hours to Turquoise Lake for fishing and sightseeing, then returns to camp in the afternoon.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes — guides will modify each trip based on guest preferences and mountain conditions.