Shoshone Lake
Black obsidian beaches frame Shoshone Lake—Yellowstone’s largest roadless backcountry lake.
Purify water from natural sources
Be bear-aware and carry spray
Alpenglow on alpine ridgelines enhances the caldera drama; mornings are generally clearer
Temperature of lake water remains very cold year-round; unpredictable mountain weather with strong winds; no shoreline barriers; active Shoshone Geyser Basin o…
Natural Attraction
Black obsidian beaches line the north shore as Shoshone Lake spreads across the high-elevation basin. The lake sits at the headwaters of the Lewis River, surrounded by caldera-rim mountains. This is the largest backcountry lake in the contigu ous U.S. without road access, set in the Yellowstone Caldera with a max depth of 205 ft and an area of 8,050 acres.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- Park at DeLacy Creek Trailhead for the shortest route (6 miles round-trip). Alternatively access via Shoshone Lake Trail from Lone Star Geyser or Dogshead Loop from trail networks; transportation to the trailheads is by vehicle, then hiking or non-motorized watercraft from Lewis Lake.
- Distance From Entrance
- 6 miles round-trip to Shoshone Lake via DeLacy Creek Trail (fastest access). Other routes exceed 10 miles one-way.
- Road Type
- No direct road to Shoshone Lake; access via established hiking trails
- Parking Availability
- Parking at DeLacy Creek Trailhead; additional spots near Lewis Lake for watercraft access; parking can fill during peak season
- Peak Fill Times
- Parking tends to fill in peak season (July–August); arrive early to secure a spot
- GPS Coordinates
- 44.3700, -110.7075
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Early July through mid-September. Expect mosquitoes in early summer; mornings and late afternoons offer gentler light and calmer winds for crossings.
- Best Visit Times
- July–September for backcountry access and camp readiness; avoid early summer due to insects
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Alpenglow on alpine ridgelines enhances the caldera drama; mornings are generally clearer
- Best Season
- July–September
- Busiest Season
- July and August
- Seasonal Access
- Backcountry access largely summer; trails are seasonally open with snow lingering into early summer
- Road Opening Dates
- Typically late May to early October; snow closures possible
- Snow Lingering
- Snow generally clears by early July; can linger into mid-summer in shaded drainages
- Winter Access
- Backcountry winter access possible via snow routes; not commonly used; plan for extreme conditions
- Weather Patterns
- Variable mountain weather; afternoon winds can complicate lake crossings; storms can form quickly
- Wildflower Peak
- July
- Fall Colors Peak
- September to early October
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Backcountry Lake
- Main Features
- Caldera setting, large backcountry lake, Obsidian black-sand north shore, headwaters of the Lewis River
- What Youll See
- Open water surrounded by alpine peaks, black obsidian sands on the north shore, backcountry campsites along shores, geyser basin to the west rim
- Unique Characteristics
- Largest backcountry lake in the contiguous U.S. inaccessible by road; located entirely within the Yellowstone Caldera; second-largest lake in Yellowstone
- Photo Opportunities
- Obsidian beaches at dawn, caldera rim silhouettes at golden hour, mist over the 205 ft depth with alpine backdrops
- Photography Spots
- Shoshone Point view; north shore obsidian beaches; lake reflections with surrounding caldera walls
- Best Viewpoints
- Shoshone Point yields a distant overlook of Shoshone Lake along the Grand Loop Road. Closer lake views require backcountry access: the fastest option is the DeLacy Creek Trail, about 6 miles round-trip (3 miles each way). Other approaches include Dogshead Trailhead to Shoshone Lake (10.8 miles RT); Shoshone Lake Trail from Lone Star Geyser (more than 10 miles one-way); and the Shoshone Lake Trail from Upper Geyser Basin to the South Shore (7.1 miles one-way). There are no developed viewing areas along the lake; seeing it up close means hiking, backpacking, or boating.
- Common Wildlife
- Grizzly bears, wolves; leeches reported in the Lewis River
- Best Wildlife Times
- Bear activity varies; dawn and dusk are higher risk periods; carry bear spray
- Geological Formation Type
- Caldera within Yellowstone Caldera; volcanic origin
- Scientific Interest
- Largest backcountry lake in the contiguous U.S.; caldera context; headwaters of Lewis River
- Stargazing Quality
- Excellent; very dark skies with minimal light pollution
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Varies
- Permits Required
- Yes
- Restrooms Available
- Yes
- Restroom Type
- Vault toilets
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- No
- Cell Service
- Unreliable in backcountry; carry satellite communication if needed
- Interpretive Signs
- No
- Accessibility
- Backcountry access via hiking trails; no road access; some routes strenuous
- Accessibility Level
- Backcountry access; no direct road access to the lake
- Nearby Services
- Backcountry campsites provide vault toilets; no potable water; plan ahead
- Nearby Facilities
- Vault toilets; no potable water; parking at trailheads and Lewis Lake access points
- Family Friendly Notes
- Exposed shoreline and backcountry risks; supervise children near water and bears
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Temperature of lake water remains very cold year-round; unpredictable mountain weather with strong winds; no shoreline barriers; active Shoshone Geyser Basin on the west end; keep distance from geysers and hot springs
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Lone Star Geyser, West Thumb, Old Faithful, Lewis Lake nearby vistas
- Connecting Trails
- DeLacy Creek Trail, Shoshone Lake Trail, Dogshead Loop, Lewis River Trail
- Trailheads Here
- DeLacy Creek Trail, Shoshone Lake Trail (Lone Star Geyser), Dogshead Loop Trail, Lewis River Trail
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Purify water from natural sources
- Be bear-aware and carry spray
- Start hikes early to minimize bug exposure
- Check weather and wind forecasts before crossings
- Tips Advice
- Start early to beat mosquitoes and crowds
- Bring bear spray and a water purification method
- Use a satellite beacon; cell service is unreliable in backcountry
- Pack warm layers for cool nights and wind on the lake
More details
- Park Area
- Yellowstone National Park, Southwest Yellowstone (West Thumb area)
- Elevation Feet
- 7795
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Lake Size
- 8,050 acres (32.6 km²)
- Fishing Species
- Westslope cutthroat trout
- Fishing Nearby
- No
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- Yes
- Climbing Areas
- No
- Review Summary
- Rated 4.8 stars from 5 reviews; visitors praise solitude, scale, and unique backcountry experience; prep and backcountry restrictions are expected elements
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a backcountry camping permit to stay at Shoshone Lake?
Yes. Backcountry camping permits are required through Yellowstone's permit system; plan ahead due to limited backcountry sites.
Is it worth the 6- to 11-mile hike to reach the lake?
Yes. It is the largest backcountry lake in the contiguous U.S. without road access, offering solitude and expansive alpine scenery that rewards the effort.
Can I boat on Shoshone Lake?
Yes, using non-motorized watercraft from Lewis Lake or DeLacy Creek access; wear PFDs and monitor weather changes.
Is there potable water nearby?
No. Bring purified water or have a reliable purification method; there is no potable water at Shoshone Lake.
Should I bring bear spray?
Yes. Grizzly bears frequent the area; bear spray is highly recommended for backcountry travel.
What about mosquitoes in early season?
Mosquitoes and biting flies are common in June and July; plan accordingly with repellent and protective clothing.
More at Yellowstone National Park
Grand Prismatic Spring
Rainbow rim of a hot spring; colors arise from thermophiles in Yellowstone's volcanic system.
Yellowstone Lake
Caldera lake tilted by resurgent domes; hydrothermal vents dot the lakebed.
Lake Butte Overlook
Panoramic view of Yellowstone Lake from the caldera rim; distant Tetons on clear days.
Artist Point
Lower Falls overlook; canyon walls colored by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite.
Gibbon River
84 ft Gibbon Falls; river through hydrothermal basins along Grand Loop Road.
Gibbon Falls
84-foot cascade over an ancient Yellowstone lava flow; drive-up overlook with a wheelchair-friendly path.
Sources
- wikipedia.org
- youtube.com
- explore-share.com
- grizzliesandavalanches.com
- wanderlog.com
- backpacker.com
- nps.gov
- visitmt.com
- usgs.gov
- grokipedia.com
- northpalmbeachlife.com
- hikingproject.com
- cowboystatedaily.com
- parkcation.com
- mensjournal.com
- yellowstoneparknet.com
- thedyrt.com
- reddit.com
- yellowstonenationalpark.com
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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.