Yes. Black and grizzly bears are present. Make noise constantly. Carry bear spray if comfortable. Stay alert; this is their home, and you're a visitor.

DeLacy Creek Trail - 5.8mi Easy Hike

Q: Can I solo this safely?

Yes, but file a hiking plan with a ranger. Start early (6 AM), finish before dusk, and carry a whistle or satellite communicator. Buddy up if anxious about wildlife.

Q: What if I see a moose?

Stop. Keep 25+ yards back. Never approach. Back away slowly if it approaches you. Moose kill people—respect the distance.

Q: Do I need trekking poles?

Not required, but recommended. Boggy meadow sections and the return descent benefit from pole support; poles reduce knee strain on the full distance.

Q: What water and gear do I need?

Carry 2L+ water, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent (June–August is brutal), and a basic first aid kit. Waterproof boots help on marshy sections and boggy areas.

Q: What about turnaround times?

Fit hikers: 3 hours. Moderate pace: 4 hours. With photo stops and wildlife gawking: 5–6 hours. Plan for the full window; don't rush the return in darkness.

Distance

5.8 mi

Est. Time

3 hours if you're fit and move steadily; 5 if you stop for wildlife photos and extended lake time.

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Summer and fall; road access typically mid-May to early November (weather-dependent)

Overview

About This Trail

An easy 5.8-mile round-trip day hike to Shoshone Lake, Yellowstone's largest backcountry lake. The trail alternates between shaded forest and full-sun meadows, rewarding hikers with consistent moose, sandhill crane, and water bird sightings. Suitable for most fitness levels, but the distance and sun exposure require genuine hydration discipline.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Shoshone Lake is Yellowstone's largest backcountry lake, and this trail delivers reliable wildlife encounters—sandhill cranes, moose, and water birds are common. The meadow sections provide rare open views and flat terrain, making it accessible for most hikers while still feeling remote.

Insider Tips

• Early morning (6–9 AM) offers maximum moose and crane activity. Afternoon visits are dusty and hot. • Binoculars are essential; crane identification and moose spotting reward close attention. • The lake comes into view around mile 4.5—this is the payoff. Rest here, hydrate aggressively, and turn back. Do not enter the backcountry. • Carry a water filter or bladder; the trail itself offers no reliable water mid-route. • Backcountry Situation Report (NPS) is updated daily; check it the morning of your hike for wildlife density and warnings.

Best Season to Hike

Summer and fall; road access typically mid-May to early November (weather-dependent)

Hiking Tips

Carry 2L+ water minimum—the meadow offers zero shade for miles.
Make noise constantly to alert bears and moose.
Wear sturdy, waterproof boots for boggy meadow sections near the lake.
Binoculars are force-multipliers for moose and crane spotting; don't skip them.
Check the Backcountry Situation Report (NPS) the morning of your hike for real-time wildlife density and trail conditions.

Family Info

Suitable for older children (10+) with prior hiking experience. Moose and bear encounters are possible—brief children on wildlife safety and maintain close supervision. Teach them to make noise on the trail. Lake shore is gentle; no steep drop-offs. The flat terrain is kid-friendly; the sun exposure and 5.8-mile distance are the real challenges.

What Hikers Say

Hikers rate this as an achievable day hike with consistent scenic rewards and excellent wildlife viewing. The flat terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels, though the 5.8-mile round trip requires stamina and water discipline. Reviewers consistently praise the moose encounters and pristine lake setting, but note that sun exposure and mosquitoes (summer) are the real obstacles.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 5.8 miles

Duration: 3 hours if you're fit and move steadily; 5 if you stop for wildlife photos and extended lake time.

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Well-packed dirt forest path transitioning to soft, occasionally boggy meadow soil. Root obstacles in shaded sections; wet areas near DeLacy Creek and lake shore.

Getting There

Trailhead: DeLacy Creek Parking Area, 8.8 miles (14 km) west of West Thumb Junction

Requirements

Permit Required

Day hiking does not require permits. Check the Backcountry Situation Report (https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htm) before departure for current conditions.

Fees: $35 park entrance fee for a private vehicle (valid 7 days). No additional trail fee.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service available. Drive your own vehicle to DeLacy Creek Parking Area.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

Biking: Biking not permitted—hiking only.

Trail Markers: Well-worn trail with clear markers. Difficult to get lost—the path is obvious, and you hike to the lake and return by the same route.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: DeLacy Creek is available at the trailhead but not reliably along the trail. Shoshone Lake water is not potable without filtration. Carry 2L minimum or filter at DeLacy Creek before starting.

Shade: Partial shade through forest sections; full sun exposure in meadow segments. High sun at lake shore. Wear a hat and sunscreen—this matters.

Cell Service: Cell service unreliable in this remote area. Carry a satellite communicator or file a hiking plan with a ranger at park entry.

Hazards:

Bears are active; make noise constantly. Moose are dangerous if startled—keep 25+ yards distance and back away slowly if one approaches. Creek crossings can be slippery; waterproof boots essential. Meadow sections expose hikers to intense sun and lightning risk. Hypothermia possible if wet and exposed to wind.

Emergency: Emergency: 911 (reception unreliable in backcountry). Non-emergency: Contact nearest ranger station at West Thumb Visitor Center (8.8 miles east) or inform a ranger of your hiking plans at park entry.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate—quieter than major park hubs like Grand Canyon or Old Faithful areas. More solitude on weekdays and early mornings.

Peak Times: Summer weekends, July–August midday hours (10 AM–3 PM)

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Mostly flat forest path with soft dirt and meadow sections. Some root obstacles in shaded areas; boggy soil near water. Accessible for most fitness levels. No wheelchair access.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

West Thumb Visitor Center 8.8 miles east (food, water, information). Grant Village and Lewis Lake Campgrounds are nearby. No facilities at DeLacy Creek trailhead; plan accordingly.

What Hikers Say

Reviews

" Hikers rate this as an achievable day hike with consistent scenic rewards and excellent wildlife viewing. The flat terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels, though the 5.8-mile round trip requires stamina and water discipline. Reviewers consistently praise the moose encounters and pristine lake setting, but note that sun exposure and mosquitoes (summer) are the real obstacles."

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Is this an easy hike?

Yes. No scrambling, no exposure cliffs, no steep climbs. The challenge is the 5.8-mile distance and full-sun meadow sections: if you can walk 6 miles steadily, you can do this.

Are bears here?

Can I solo this safely?

What if I see a moose?

Do I need trekking poles?

What water and gear do I need?

What about turnaround times?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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