Shoshone Lake, Yellowstone: Largest backcountry lake with no road

Shoshone Lake at Yellowstone National Park reflecting a forested shoreline at sunset.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 44.3700, -110.7075
Accessibility: Backcountry access via hiking trails; no road access; some routes strenuous

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 1

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Lone Star Geyser, West Thumb, Old Faithful, Lewis Lake nearby vistas
Nearby Facilities: Vault toilets; no potable water; parking at trailheads and Lewis Lake access points
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.
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
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

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park, Southwest Yellowstone (West Thumb area)
Family Friendly Notes: Exposed shoreline and backcountry risks; supervise children near water and bears
Attraction Type: Backcountry Lake
Elevation Feet: 7795
Distance From Entrance: 6 miles round-trip to Shoshone Lake via DeLacy Creek Trail (fastest access). Other routes exceed 10 miles one-way.
Accessibility Level: Backcountry access; no direct road access to the lake
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.
Parking Availability: Parking at DeLacy Creek Trailhead; additional spots near Lewis Lake for watercraft access; parking can fill during peak season
Road Type: No direct road to Shoshone Lake; access via established hiking trails
Seasonal Access: Backcountry access largely summer; trails are seasonally open with snow lingering into early summer
Entry Fees: Varies
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
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
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.
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
Stargazing Quality: Excellent; very dark skies with minimal light pollution
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow on alpine ridgelines enhances the caldera drama; mornings are generally clearer
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unreliable in backcountry; carry satellite communication if needed
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: DeLacy Creek Trail, Shoshone Lake Trail (Lone Star Geyser), Dogshead Loop Trail, Lewis River Trail
Connecting Trails: DeLacy Creek Trail, Shoshone Lake Trail, Dogshead Loop, Lewis River Trail
Nearby Services: Backcountry campsites provide vault toilets; no potable water; plan ahead
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
Wildflower Peak: July
Fall Colors Peak: September to early October
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
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
Best Visit Times: July–September for backcountry access and camp readiness; avoid early summer due to insects
Best Season: July–September
Weather Patterns: Variable mountain weather; afternoon winds can complicate lake crossings; storms can form quickly
Peak Fill Times: Parking tends to fill in peak season (July–August); arrive early to secure a spot
Busiest Season: July and August
Lake Size: 8,050 acres (32.6 km²)
Fishing Species: Westslope cutthroat trout
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 1
Climbing Areas: 0
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

Shoshone Lake visible through a stand of evergreen pines in a Yellowstone wetlands landscape with distant mountains.

Shoshone Lake at Yellowstone National Park sits beside rugged cliffs under a clear blue sky.

Winter scene at Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, with snow-covered shores, frosted trees, and a cloudy sky.

Shoshone Lake at sunset seen from the shore, framed by tall pines in Yellowstone National Park.

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.