The Best Easy Hike Near Squaretop Mountain for a Wind River Weekend

Tucked deep in the heart of the Wind River Range, Squaretop Mountain rises like a giant tree stump above the Green River Lakes, a striking sentinel and the most photographed peak in the area. When my wild-hearted friend Jen flew across the country from Florida to visit me in Wyoming, I knew exactly where to take her for a weekend of wide-open skies, laughter, and just enough wilderness to make your heart race.

Basecamp with a View: Green River Lakes Campground

We set up camp at Green River Lakes Campground, located at 43.315574, -109.863173. The access road from Pinedale, WY is unpaved for the last 20 miles. Plan for at least an hour of slow-going. I didn’t find it technical, just dusty and a bit rattly.

This campground does not take reservations, first come first serve. The fee is only $12/night and it provides epic views of Squaretop Mountain towering over the Lower Green River Lake. Temps dipped into the 30s at night and reached the upper 70s to low 80s during the day while we were there. There are vault toilets, potable water (available July 1 – Sept 15), and zero hookups, so come prepared for rustic camping.

We camped for two nights and three days, giving us a little time to explore the area. There are several shorter trails near camp that are worth poking around. On one of our wandering days, we stumbled across a weathered old cabin and a rustic outhouse, and naturally, took ridiculous photos of ourselves ‘pretending’ to use it 💩 We also climbed up on a large boulder and used some clever angles to create death-defying photo illusions. Were we dangling over a 1,000-foot drop? I’ll let you be the judge.

Campfires crackled at night, serving as both warmth and meditation. Vance calls me a pyromaniac, and honestly, I’m proud of the title. There’s something primal and peaceful about tending a fire under a big sky 🔥

Trail Talk: Green River Lakes out and back

Our main adventure for the weekend was a day hike to Upper Green River Lake. Here’s the quick rundown:

  • Trail Name: Highline Trail (eastern side of the lake)
  • Distance: 8.68 miles out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 636 feet
  • Difficulty: Easy-moderate, mostly flat with stunning views
  • AllTrails Link: Our hike record

Due to marshy trail conditions on the west side (and a failed attempt), we stuck to the east for an out and back. The hike hugs the lake, offering non-stop views of Squaretop and sparkling water below. When we reached the upper lake, we jumped in… yes, in our underwear! It was perfect. We both even broke out a handstand pose with Squaretop in the background, a little upside-down time in the wild always centers me 🙌

Along the way, we encountered some unexpected “trail magic”: a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, a coil of paracord, and most notably, an old fishing pole abandoned near the lake. We decided, with full conviction, that it clearly once belonged to Sasquatch himself.

How to Prepare: Tips for First-Timers & Non-Hookup Campers

If you’re not quite ready for a backcountry pack trip, this area is an ideal intro to the Wind River Range. Here are some tips for making the most of your stay:

🛻 Vehicle: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended by many, though I honestly found the road to be well-graded and not technical. Expect a dusty, bumpy ride for the last 20 miles.

💧 Water: A potable water fill station is available at the campground from July 1 to September 15. Always confirm with the Forest Service.

🏕️ No Hookups: campsites do not have electric, water, or sewer hookups. Bring your own power solutions and H2O containers.

💩 Vault Toilets: Available and clean. Just pack in your own hygiene essentials.

🐻 Bear Safety: You are in grizzly country. Store food properly, carry bear spray, and stay alert.

🦟 Bug Repellent: We got lucky in early August and didn’t deal with mosquitoes, but it’s still wise to come prepared, especially earlier in the season.

🧥 Layers: Expect cold nights and warm days. A good sleeping bag, portable heater and layered clothing make all the difference.

🌍 Navigation: Cell service was nonexistent for us. But, we were able to intermittently communicate with the outside world via Jen’s built in Satellite phone. Download your maps before arriving.

For updated trail or road conditions, contact the Pinedale Ranger District: (307) 367-4326.

Campfire Conclusions

I’m still swooning over the Wind River Range. This place is untamed, dramatic, and begging to be explored more deeply. While Squaretop’s summit is still on my list (it’ll require a backpacking trip, maybe next summer!), this taste of the range was exactly what I needed.

If you’re not quite ready for a full pack-in trip, this is the perfect toe-dip into the Winds. Bring your sprays, your spontaneity, your sense of humor, and your most wild-hearted adventurous friends.

And if you’re lucky, you might just laugh ’til you cry, dive into a mountain lake, and find yourself upside down in front of one of the most iconic peaks in the West 🙃