DeLacy Creek Trail

A creek flows through a meadow surrounded by trees.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 5.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 5.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 3 hours if you're fit and move steadily; 5 if you stop for wildlife photos and extended lake time.
Trail 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.
Trail Features: Shoshone Lake (Yellowstone's largest backcountry lake)
Sandhill cranes in meadows
Moose near shoreline
Water birds (ducks, geese, etc.)
Forest-meadow ecosystem transition
DeLacy Creek
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: DeLacy Creek Parking Area, 8.8 miles (14 km) west of West Thumb Junction
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service available. Drive your own vehicle to DeLacy Creek Parking Area.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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.
Trail Status: Open (seasonal road closures possible mid-November to mid-May)
Seasonal Closures: Trail typically inaccessible mid-November to mid-May due to snow and road closures. Confirm current road status at West Thumb Visitor Center or NPS website before visiting.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: 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.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Bears (black and grizzly)
Moose encounters
Hypothermia risk (wet creek crossings)
Dehydration (exposed meadows)
Lightning (open meadow areas)
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Cell service unreliable in this remote area. Carry a satellite communicator or file a hiking plan with a ranger at park entry.
Crowd Level: Moderate—quieter than major park hubs like Grand Canyon or Old Faithful areas. More solitude on weekdays and early mornings.
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends, July–August midday hours (10 AM–3 PM)
Best Season: Summer and fall; road access typically mid-May to early November (weather-dependent)
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6 AM to maximize wildlife sightings before midday heat kicks in. Summer (late June–August) and fall (September–early October) offer clear access; avoid peak July heat if you run hot. Fall provides cooling temperatures and fewer mosquitoes.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Craig Pass / South Entrance Region
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.
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Biking Allowed: Biking not permitted—hiking only.
Shade Level: Partial shade through forest sections; full sun exposure in meadow segments. High sun at lake shore. Wear a hat and sunscreen—this matters.
Emergency Contacts: 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.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Snow closes the trail typically mid-November to mid-May. Confirm road status before visiting in shoulder seasons (April–May, October–November); conditions vary year to year.
Mud Season: Spring snowmelt and early June can create muddy, boggy sections, especially near DeLacy Creek and meadow edges. Waterproof boots essential April–June.
Wildflower Peak: Late June through August; peak bloom mid-July in meadow sections.
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through early October; aspen and conifer colors begin showing in forest sections.
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak mid-June to mid-August, especially near the lake and damp meadow areas. Insect repellent is not optional—it's required. August offers some relief as populations decline.
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.
Recent Updates: No recent trail closures reported as of 2026. Confirm current status at West Thumb Visitor Center or NPS website before departure.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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.
Review Summary: 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.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.