Near Lower Green River Lake Circuit
An August frost blankets the hills around Lower Green River Lake & Squaretop from the Highline Trail
Near Lower Green River Lake Circuit
Lower Green River Lake. Squaretop Mountain, 11,695 ft., is in the distance to the south, center-left.
Near Lower Green River Lake Circuit
Lower Green River Lake on a perfect, clear, early August morning after the fog lifts. Seen from the north end of the lake.
Near Lower Green River Lake Circuit
View of Square Top and Flat Top from Lajeside Trail
Near Lower Green River Lake Circuit
Views over Lower Green River Lakes to White Rock (L) and Squaretop Mountain from the Lakeside Trail

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Lower Green River Lake Circuit

4.2 (6 Ratings)
A spectacular loop around Lower Green River Lake, with views toward Squaretop, White Rock, and more.
6.1
mi
Distance
535
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedFall ColorsFamily FriendlyFishingLakeLakefrontRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWaterfall
Access Issues
As per USFS rules:1) Make sure to camp 200 ft 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.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.09mi
Distance
535ft
Elevation Gain
535ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
8,143ft
High Point
7,965ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the Hiker's Parking Area near the cabin, descend to the Lakeside Trail #144 and turn left. A tenth of a mile later, the Lakeside Trail #144 turns left toward the corrals; continue on the main trail, Lakeside Trail-Highline Trail Connector. Continue another 0.3 miles to the lowest point on the loop, and perhaps one of the best views, at the bridge over the Green River Lakes' outlet. Interestingly, this is the same Green River that joins the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park.The trail intersects the CDT: Summit Lake to Union Pass (WY Sec. 15), #094; this section is known as the Highline Trail. Veer right, away from the Osborn Homestead and the sign for Gunsite Pass, and cross a smaller bridge before ascending slightly to work your way along the hillside above Lower Green River Lake's eastern shore.The views are spectacular of the lake, surrounding mountains, and especially the iconic, flat-topped Squaretop Mountain, to the junction with the Clear Creek Trail #184 at mile 2.4 (note that the trail enters the Bridger Wilderness at mile 0.75). Continue straight, following the sign for Three Forks Park, and descend to the handrail-and-log bridge across Clear Creek (equestrians take the right fork and cross at a ford downstream from the bridge).After nearly another mile, the trail intersects the New Fork-Porcupine Trail #137 (here referred to simply as the Porcupine Trail). Turn right, crossing the bridge over the inlet stream. Over the next 0.3 miles, be sure to look back at the lined cliffs of White Rock; Squaretop also makes a peek-a-boo appearance over the scrub and grasses between the two Green River Lakes.Turn right at the next junction, following the sign for the Lakeside Trail #144. The trail for nearly the next 3 miles is through the forest, although during the last mile there are social trails down to the lake shore; in season, the shoreline can be explored in some areas. The shoreline offers good views toward Squaretop and White Rock.At mile 6, the trail breaks out of the forest into a meadow. Work your way via social-looking trails to the road; turn left up the road, and take the trail, on right, back to the junction below the parking area.
History & Background
The cabins near the outlet were settled as the Osborn Homestead in the early 1900s, later becoming part of the G.P. Bar Ranch (dude ranch / fishing ranch). The cabins were sold to the US Forest Service in 1966, and all but a couple cabins were removed. The cabin near the parking area is occasionally used for administrative purposes.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Anne Travels