Square Top Mountain Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

This 3-4 day backpacking trip takes a scenic route around Square Top Mountain, crossing a high-elevation region of alpine lakes. Although this is one of Wyoming's most iconic peaks, its popularity does not compare to Island Lakes or routes in the southern range. There is a good chance, once beyond Green River Lakes, that you'll not see another soul. It's best to do this route clockwise, maintaining spectacular views of Square Top Mountain as you hike along the Green River Lakes.

As per USFS rules:
1) Make sure to camp 200 feet from trails and water.
2) Dogs have to be leashed or under control (i.e. training collar or equivalent) at all times.
3) All food and attractants need to be suspended at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from a post or tree or stored inside a bear-resistant container.
4) Check current fire restrictions. Fire rings must be dismantled after use.

Begin this route at Green River Lakes trailhead. Cross the bridge and follow the east side of Green River Lakes, enjoying the improving view of Square Top Mountain. The trail passes both lakes, following the meandering Green River on the left side. There is good camping along the river, but if possible continue to the Granite Lake trail junction, just after you cross the bridge (~ 10 miles). This wide open meadow provides excellent camping for a first night.

If time permits, the side trip to Granite Lake (2.6 miles round trip) makes a great day hike. Otherwise, continue to the junction for Lozier Lakes - New Fork Trail (Clark Creek #7185) (~2.5 miles) which climbs onto the high plateau behind Square Top Mountain. Take this aggressive trail towards Clark Lake. Clark Lake, which is the first large lake encountered, provides good camping. More good spots are also found further on the plateau or all the way to Lozier Lake. This high alpine area is beautiful, so soak it up!

The trail later switchbacks off the plateau to the New Fork-Porcupine Trail #137. Take a right here and follow Dodge Creek up to Porcupine Pass (10,702 ft). Off the pass, follow Porcupine Creek down more switchbacks to where the canyon grade mellows. You can find camp spots in the valley where it begins to meander, or continue on the long walk back to the trailhead, skirting the west side of Lower Green River Lakes.

This route explores the headwaters of the Green River, which initiates from snowmelt derived from the watershed dominated by Gannet peak, the largest peak in the Wind River Range. The Green River is the largest tributary to the Colorado River, and it is in fact longer than the Colorado at its confluence in Canyonlands National Park. By conventional nomenclature the river would keep the name Green River below this confluence, but in this case the name Colorado River remains, due to its strong historical and cultural significance.