Granite Lakes to Green Lakes Loop

Starting at South Leigh trailhead, hike the South Leigh Trail and enter the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. The trail is easy as it follows South Leigh Creek for about 3.7 miles before ascending switchbacks on the south wall of the canyon towards Granite Basin. After the junction with the Andy Stone Trail, there are relaxing alpine meadows to enjoy the view of South Leigh Creek canyon below. Not much farther is the Granite Basin Lakes (~7.5 miles from the TH), a good ending point for the day. Granite Lakes are nestled between Littles Peak (10,689 ft) and a satellite peak just off the western edge of the Continental Divide.Continue past Granite Basin Lakes towards the divide and around the satellite peak to the junction for Teton Crest North Trail. Going either left or right at this junction will meet at the same point down basin, although right is much more scenic. If going right on the Teton Crest North trail, make a left at the Green Lakes junction and pass through one small lake before reaching the larger and more accommodating Green Lake. Green Mountain (9,609 ft) hovers overhead. Green Lake is also another pleasant place to camp and only 11.5 miles from the trailhead.The trail skirts Green Mountain, overlooking the adjacent North Leigh Creek drainage before switchbacking down Tin Cup Creek. At the bottom of the trail, take Tin Cup Trail at the junction and cross the creek. Just after the crossing is a flat bench which provides a good option for camping.After a short time on Tin Cup Trail, cross the major gully via Beaver Creek Trail and ascend the north ridge of Beard Mountain. This trail circumnavigates the mountain, offering views of Teton Valley before dipping back into the woods and rejoining the South Leigh Trail.