Earthquake Lake

Quake-born lake along Sheep Mountain; turquoise water over a stark landslide scar.

Insider tip

Visit the Visitor Center for safe overlooks;

Insider tip

Check the auto tour route interpretive signs;

Geological Formation6,391 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Turquoise water runs along a six-mile-long lake, set against a broad landslide scar on Sheep Mountain. The lake formed when a massive rock avalanche dammed the Madison River during the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake. It stands as a stark, real-world example of tectonic forces reshaping the landscape in moments.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There: Take US-287 to the Earthquake Lake area; the Visitor Center sits above the landslide debris with overlooks along Highway 287.
Distance From Entrance: Varies
Road Type: Paved highway with pull-outs along the lake
Parking Availability: Parking available at Earthquake Lake Visitor Center.
Peak Fill Times: Varies
GPS Coordinates: 44°49′51″N 111°25′32″W

When to go

Best Time To Visit: Summer (late May–mid-September) when the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center is open and roads are clear; sunrise and sunset yield the best light.
Best Visit Times: Summer
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow on surrounding peaks; sunrise light on the lake
Best Season: Summer
Busiest Season: Summer; July and August
Seasonal Access: Summer through early fall; roads clear
Road Opening Dates: Varies
Snow Lingering: Varies
Winter Access: Refuge Point Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip snowshoe hike in winter
Weather Patterns: Windy afternoons; rapidly changing mountain weather; potential afternoon storms
Fall Colors Peak: Late September to early October

What you will experience

Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Main Features: Natural dam formed by a landslide; 6 miles long lake; landslide scar and Madison River dam
What Youll See: Landslide debris visible along the scar; the lake on the Madison River; overlooks; surrounding mountains
Unique Characteristics: One of the most dramatic quake-triggered dam formations; formed in 1959 during the Hebgen Lake earthquake; 28 lives lost
Photo Opportunities: Sunrise lighting on the lake; reflections on calm water; scar detail in late day light
Photography Spots: Overlooks at the Visitor Center; pull-outs along Highway 287; shoreline reflections
Best Viewpoints: Earthquake Lake Visitor Center overlooks; Highway 287 pull-outs
Common Wildlife: Bighorn sheep; deer; elk; various birds
Best Wildlife Times: Fall for elk activity; dawn/dusk for mammals
Geological Formation Type: Natural dam formed by landslide (quake dam)
Scientific Interest: Visible evidence of a large earthquake triggering rapid landslide, damming a river; part of the Intermountain Seismic Belt; studied for seismic hazards
Stargazing Quality: Excellent on clear nights; high desert skies

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees: Varies
Permits Required: No
Restrooms Available: Yes
Picnic Areas: No
Water Available: Yes
Cell Service: Spotty
Interpretive Signs: Yes
Accessibility: Visitor Center and some paths accessible
Accessibility Level: Drive-up view; some paths accessible
Nearby Services: Restrooms and potable water at the Visitor Center; interpretive signs along the Earthquake Lake Geologic Area auto tour route
Nearby Facilities: Earthquake Lake Visitor Center with restrooms, potable water, interpretive signs; pull-outs and overlooks along Highway 287
Family Friendly Notes: Overlooks; keep children away from edges; wildlife safety

Safety

Safety Considerations: Gravity: rockfall risk from the landslide scar; Temperature: cold water risk for hypothermia; Wind: afternoon gusts; Geological instability: monitor for ongoing hazards; Bear spray recommended; sturdy footwear; stay on marked paths

Nearby

Nearby Attractions: Earthquake Lake Visitor Center; Highway 287 overlooks; West Yellowstone; Madison River
Connecting Trails: Memorial Boulder Trail, Refuge Point Trail
Trailheads Here: Memorial Boulder Trail; Refuge Point Trail (1.5-mile round-trip in winter)

Planning advice

Insider Tips: Visit the Visitor Center for safe overlooks;
Check the auto tour route interpretive signs;
Bring warm layers;
Parking can be tight in peak season
Tips Advice: Look for the broad landslide scar along Sheep Mountain from the visitor center overlooks.
The Madison River water is bitterly cold—dress in layers and be prepared for wind.
Bear spray is recommended in this wildlife-rich area.
Stay on designated paths and overlooks; rockfall remains a risk near the scar.
Parking can fill on peak days; plan accordingly.

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park
Elevation Feet: 6391
Visitor Center Present: Yes
Guided Tours Available: No
Lake Size: 6 miles long, ~0.25 miles wide
Fishing Species: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout
Fishing Nearby: No
Swimming Allowed: No
Boating Allowed: No
Climbing Areas: No
Review Summary: Visitors are drawn to the dramatic origin and accessible viewpoints; the interpretive signs help connect the story to geology; note cell service is spotty.

Location

Photos

Earthquake Lake, Yellowstone National Park — view of the river carving a basin with forested slopes and exposed earth along a rocky canyon.

Earthquake Lake overlook with interpretive panels at Yellowstone National Park, illustrating the 1959 quake and lake formation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking can fill on peak summer days; arriving early helps secure a spot at the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center.

Is it worth the drive if I’m not a geology buff?

Yes: the dramatic formation is an immediate demonstration of tectonic forces, and the overlook and interpretive signs make the science accessible for any visitor.

Is the area accessible for someone with limited mobility?

The visitor center and some nearby paths are accessible.

Is bear spray recommended here?

Bear spray is recommended in this wildlife-rich area.

Is there a fee to view Earthquake Lake?

Entry to the viewing areas is free; fees, if any, apply to specific tours or facilities at the Visitor Center.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.