The Green River Lakes is the most spectacular backpacking trailhead in North America, and two of America's top three trails depart from here. But it is accessed by a 40 mile rough unpaved road following the Green River up from Pinedale. You cannot drive fast on this road and you must arrive well before dark. So if you're coming in from out of state, you will probably find yourself arriving in Pinedale in late afternoon, and you should spend the night in town and set off up the road next morning. Do not take this advice lightly. There are no services at Road's End, just a check in box and a very large campground. It is unwise to arrive here after dark or even shortly before dark. You need time to pick a site and set up.

Partly this is because you need time to gather firewood, build a good fire, cook dinner and pitch your tents. Partly this is because Moose, Elk, Cougar and Bear, plus Porcupine, Raccoon, Coyote and possibly Wolves will roam your campground. You need time to set a good camp, hang food and otherwise prepare for these intruders, who think they are home and you are an unwelcome guest open to plunder. However, do not let these cautions about roads and animals discourage you from coming to the Green River Lakes. Even if you only came here to car camp, fish and day hike for a week, it would be one of the most spectacular and photogenic weeks of your life. You're also in a very historic spot geographically. The waters in these lakes will eventually flow through The Grand Canyon and out into the Gulf of California. The water here is too cold for swimming (coming off snowmelt just above), but you might want to cartop canoes or kayaks.