West Thumb/ Grant Village Area in Yellowstone National Park
DeLacy Creek Trail
Yellowstone’s largest and most impressive backcountry lake, Shoshone Lake, requires a significant haul on foot or kayak to reach—except by this quick, sneaky route. Head south along DeLacy Creek, passing open meadows that make wonderful habitat for moose and sandhill cranes, to Shoshone’s northern shores. Bask by the rocky beaches, explore farther down the lakeshore, or brave a dip in the frosty waters.
Yellowstone’s largest and most impressive backcountry lake, Shoshone Lake, requires a significant haul on foot or kayak to reach—except by this quick, sneaky route. Head south along DeLacy Creek, passing open meadows that make wonderful habitat for moose and sandhill cranes, to Shoshone’s northern shores. Bask by the rocky beaches, explore farther down the lakeshore, or brave a dip in the frosty waters.
5.8 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trailhead is 8.8 miles west of West Thumb Junction.
Riddle Lake
Kick back on a (small) sandy beach with views of the Red Mountains on this mellow stroll to a backcountry lake. You’ll hike over the Continental Divide, through lodgepole pine forest, and past meadows where elk and grizzly bears often graze. Riddle Lake itself is a picturesque lake dotted with lily pads and is sometime home to nesting trumpeter swans. The trail is closed to hiking until July 15 because of bear activity; it’s smart to hike in larger groups after that, too.
Riddle Lake
Kick back on a (small) sandy beach with views of the Red Mountains on this mellow stroll to a backcountry lake. You’ll hike over the Continental Divide, through lodgepole pine forest, and past meadows where elk and grizzly bears often graze. Riddle Lake itself is a picturesque lake dotted with lily pads and is sometime home to nesting trumpeter swans. The trail is closed to hiking until July 15 because of bear activity; it’s smart to hike in larger groups after that, too.
4.8 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trailhead is 3 miles south of Grant Village.