Lakes in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is home to more than 600 lakes and ponds, covering approximately 107,000 surface acres and accounting for about 5% of the park's total area. While Yellowstone is best known for its geysers, hot springs, and other hydrothermal features, its lakes form an equally important part of the park's landscape, supporting diverse ecosystems, recreational activities, and wildlife habitats.
The park's aquatic landscape is dominated by what are often called the "Big Four" lakes—Yellowstone Lake, Shoshone Lake, Lewis Lake, and Heart Lake. Together, these four major bodies of water account for approximately 94% of Yellowstone's total lake surface area, highlighting their importance within the park's hydrological system.
Quick Reference: Major Lakes of Yellowstone National Park
Lake Name | Location in Park | Elevation | Size & Depth | Key Characteristics |
Yellowstone Lake | Central–Southeastern Yellowstone | 7,733 ft (2,357 m) | 87,040 acres (131.7 sq miles); max depth ~390 ft | Largest lake in the park; Largest high-elevation lake in North America; freezes in winter; underwater geysers and hot springs; major cutthroat trout habitat |
Shoshone Lake | Southwestern Yellowstone | ~7,800 ft | 8,050 acres; max depth 205 ft | Second-largest lake in the park; remote and quiet; originally fishless; canoe-accessible |
Lewis Lake | Southern Yellowstone | ~7,800 ft | 5200 acres; max depth 108 feet | Third-largest lake in the park; fed by Lewis River; geothermal inflows; close to South Entrance and campground |
Heart Lake | Southwestern Yellowstone near Mt. Sheridan | ~7,500 ft | 2,100 acres | Heart-shaped; important cutthroat trout habitat; frequented by grizzly bears; scenic hiking destination |
Wrangler Lake | Northern Yellowstone backcountry | 7,850 ft (2,390 m) | ~35 acres | Remote high-altitude lake; rugged terrain; accessed by long backcountry hike |
Grebe Lake | Central Yellowstone | ~8,020 feet | 156 acres | Historic Arctic grayling habitat; wildlife-rich area; surrounded by forests and meadows |
Delusion Lake | Northern Yellowstone backcountry | ~7,825 feet | 568 acres | 5th largest lake in the park; Very remote; accessible via strenuous hike; excellent cutthroat trout fishing |
Isa Lake | Continental Divide (Wyoming–Montana border) | 8,262 ft | 1 acre | Unique dual drainage to Pacific and Atlantic watersheds |
Trout Lake | Northern Yellowstone (Lamar Valley) | ~6,962 feet | 12 acres | Alpine lake; moderate hiking access |
Mallard Lake | Southwestern Yellowstone | ~8,040 feet | 32 acres | Quiet and remote; scenic meadows and forest surroundings |
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake in Yellowstone National Park and the largest high-elevation freshwater lake in North America above 7,000 feet. Located at an elevation of 7,732 feet (2,357 m), the lake covers about 136 square miles (352 sq km), contains over 12 million acre-feet of water, and has approximately 141 miles (227 km) of shoreline. The lake is roughly 20 miles (32 km) long and 14 miles (23 km) wide. Its distinctive shape includes the Main Body, the South Arm, the Southeast Arm, and the volcanic West Thumb basin.
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| Yellowstone Lake |
Yellowstone Lake is notable for its extremely cold water, maintaining an average temperature of around 41°F (5°C) year-round. It freezes completely during the winter, typically from late December to early January, with ice thickness ranging from a few inches to over two feet. The ice usually begins to melt in late May or early June. Due to the cold water temperatures, swimming in Yellowstone Lake is strongly discouraged.
Yellowstone Lake sits directly atop the active Yellowstone Caldera, shaped by both ancient glaciers and ongoing volcanic activity. Beneath its cold surface lies a complex, dynamic lakebed featuring deep canyons, geysers, underwater hot springs, silica spires, and hydrothermal explosion craters. Recent research utilizing submersible robots has revealed this intricate underwater landscape, including a canyon near Stevenson Island that reaches 390 feet (119 m) in depth, making it the deepest known area of the lake. This subaquatic geothermal system drives extreme temperatures across the lake floor, ranging from 252°F (122°C) in Mary Bay to a record-breaking 345°F (174°C) at the deep hydrothermal vent fields near Stevenson Island.
Yellowstone Lake offers a wide range of recreational opportunities and is one of the most popular destinations in the park. Bridge Bay Marina serves as the main center for boating activities, providing boat rentals, scenic cruises, and guided fishing charters on the lake. The lake supports the largest wild population of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in North America, making it a premier destination for anglers. Fishing is permitted with a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit and must follow park regulations. The shoreline is also an excellent location for wildlife viewing, with the abundance of trout attracting predators such as bald eagles, ospreys, white pelicans, river otters, and occasionally grizzly bears.
On the lake's western shore, the famous West Thumb Geyser Basin features colorful hot springs, geysers, and steaming pools situated directly beside the water, creating one of Yellowstone's most unique geothermal landscapes.
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| Yellowstone Lake |
Shoshone Lake
Shoshone Lake is the second-largest lake in Yellowstone National Park. Located in Wyoming within a remote section of the park’s backcountry, it covers approximately 8,050 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 205 feet (62 meters). The lake is known for its extreme wilderness isolation, requiring either a multi-mile hike or paddling via the Lewis River Channel to reach its shoreline.
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| Shoshone Lake |
The lake has no direct road access, making it one of the most pristine and least disturbed aquatic environments in Yellowstone. Most visitors reach it by hiking the DeLacy Creek Trail or by paddling from Lewis Lake through the Lewis River Channel, a challenging route that often requires wading and dragging boats upstream. Motorized watercraft are strictly prohibited, preserving the lake’s quiet and undeveloped character.
Shoshone Lake sits within a geologically active region of the Yellowstone Caldera system and is surrounded by dense forests, thermal areas, and rugged backcountry terrain. One of its most remarkable features is the Shoshone Geyser Basin on the western shore, a highly active geothermal field containing more than 80 geysers and hot springs, notably without any boardwalk infrastructure, giving it a truly wild geothermal setting.
The lake supports healthy populations of brown trout and lake trout, making it a rewarding but lightly pressured fishing destination. Anglers must hold a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit and follow strict regulations designed to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Backcountry camping is permitted at designated sites around the shoreline, but requires advance wilderness permits from the National Park Service. The region is also known for frequent grizzly bear activity, sudden weather changes, and extremely cold water conditions, making proper preparation essential for all visitors.
Lewis Lake
Lewis Lake is the third-largest lake in Yellowstone National Park and one of the park's most scenic high-altitude lakes. Located in the southern portion of the park along the South Entrance Road, the lake sits at an elevation of about 7,800 feet (2,377 m) and covers approximately 5,200 acres. Surrounded by dense lodgepole pine forests and bordered by the Pitchstone Plateau, Lewis Lake serves as a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, and backcountry exploration.
The lake occupies a unique position on the southern edge of the Yellowstone Caldera. Its primary inflow is the Lewis River, which drains southward from the remote and roadless Shoshone Lake. The Lewis River also serves as the lake's outlet, flowing from the southern end of the lake before plunging over Lewis Falls and eventually joining the Snake River. Several thermal springs along the northwestern shoreline and near the outlet release warm mineral-rich water into the lake, creating localized temperature variations.
Lewis Lake reaches a maximum depth of approximately 108 feet (33 m) and is known for its cold, clear waters. Unlike Yellowstone Lake, which supports native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, Lewis Lake historically contained no fish because the 30-foot Lewis Falls acted as a natural barrier to upstream migration. Today, the lake supports populations of introduced brown trout, brook trout, and lake trout, making it a popular fishing destination. Fishing is permitted with a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit and must follow park regulations, including the use of barbless hooks and artificial lures or flies.
Boating is one of the most popular activities on the lake. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and motorboats are permitted, and a public boat ramp is located near Lewis Lake Campground. All watercraft must undergo mandatory aquatic invasive species inspections before launching. Experienced paddlers often explore the Lewis River Channel, a scenic route connecting Lewis Lake with Shoshone Lake through one of Yellowstone's most remote landscapes.
Lewis Lake Campground, located along the lake's southeastern shore, provides convenient access to the water and surrounding trails. The campground contains 84 campsites and typically operates during the summer season. Nearby Lewis Falls, located just downstream from the lake outlet, is one of Yellowstone's most accessible waterfalls and a popular stop for visitors traveling to and from the South Entrance.
Several hiking trails also originate near the lake. The Lewis Lake Trail follows portions of the shoreline through lodgepole pine forests, while the Lewis River Channel and Dogshead Loop trails provide opportunities to explore the surrounding backcountry. Wildlife commonly observed in the area includes bald eagles, ospreys, river otters, elk, and occasionally bears, making Lewis Lake one of the park's premier destinations for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.
Heart Lake
Heart Lake is a large, pristine backcountry lake in the southern region of Yellowstone National Park, located at the base of Mount Sheridan. Covering about 2,100 acres, it is known for its glacial origins, strong geothermal activity, abundant wildlife, and excellent fly-fishing opportunities. The lake sits in a remote wilderness zone, offering one of the most isolated and immersive backcountry experiences in Yellowstone.
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| Heart Lake |
The lake is accessed via the Heart Lake Trail, which begins at the Heart Lake Trailhead along the South Entrance Road. The route is approximately 7.5 miles one way (about 15 miles round trip) and is considered moderate to challenging. The first section is relatively gentle, passing through lodgepole pine forests before descending into the Witch Creek valley. As hikers approach the lake, the trail enters a geothermal zone with active hot springs and fumaroles before reaching the shoreline, typically taking 4 to 5 hours one way.
Heart Lake is geologically active and features its own Heart Lake Geyser Basin on the western shore, where visitors can see bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and small geysers in a completely undeveloped setting. The surrounding landscape is dominated by Mount Sheridan, a 10,299-foot peak that rises sharply above the lake. From the summit, a strenuous 3.5-mile scramble rewards hikers with panoramic views of Heart Lake, Yellowstone Lake, and the distant Teton Range.
The lake is also a premier destination for anglers, supporting populations of cutthroat and lake trout. Its shoreline and surrounding valleys provide rich wildlife viewing opportunities, including elk, bison, bald eagles, and frequent grizzly bear activity, making bear safety precautions essential.
Backcountry camping is allowed at designated shoreline campsites, but requires advance permits from the National Park Service. Due to high grizzly density and seasonal food availability, the entire Heart Lake area is often closed in early spring (typically April through June), with the best visiting window running from late June through September.
Wrangler Lake
Wrangler Lake is a secluded high-elevation alpine tarn located in the east-central region of Yellowstone National Park, southeast of the Canyon Area near the Wapiti Lake Trail system. Located in Park County, Wyoming, at an elevation of approximately 7,850 feet (2,390 m), Wrangler Lake covers about 35 acres (0.05 square miles). Known for its solitude, abundant wildlife, and wetland ecosystem, Wrangler Lake is one of Yellowstone's lesser-known backcountry destinations. Unlike many of the park's larger lakes, it is shallow, fishless, and heavily influenced by surrounding marshes and meadows.
The lake is accessed via the Wrangler Lake Trail, an approximately 8.1-mile (13 km) round-trip hike from the Wapiti Lake Trailhead on South Rim Drive. The moderately challenging trail gains about 528 feet (161 m) in elevation and typically takes 2.5–3.5 hours to complete. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead. Along the way, hikers must cross several unbridged branches of Sour Creek, which can become knee-deep during spring and early summer runoff. The final section of trail is often faint, requiring visitors to follow trail markers through forested terrain and around fallen timber.
Wrangler Lake is ecologically distinct because it does not support a fish population. Instead, its shallow waters provide important habitat for amphibians, aquatic insects, and other wetland species. During summer, large portions of the lake become covered with lily pads, giving it the appearance of a high-elevation marsh. The surrounding wetlands also create ideal breeding conditions for insects, and mosquitoes can be exceptionally abundant during June and July, earning the area a reputation among hikers for its intense bug activity.
Wrangler Lake lies near the edge of the Hayden Valley wildlife corridor, one of Yellowstone's most important wildlife habitats. Bison, moose, and waterfowl are frequently observed in the area, while grizzly bears and other large carnivores regularly travel through the surrounding forests and meadows. Because human visitation remains relatively low, wildlife activity around the lake is often more noticeable than at many of Yellowstone's more accessible destinations.
Backcountry camping is available at designated sites near the lake, including campsite 4W1, which is tucked among the trees along the shoreline. Overnight visitors must obtain a Yellowstone National Park backcountry permit and follow all bear-safety regulations, including proper food storage. The trail passes through Yellowstone bear management areas and may experience seasonal closures, particularly during spring and early summer when wildlife activity is highest. Visitors should check current trail conditions before traveling and come prepared for stream crossings, changing weather, mosquitoes, and potential wildlife encounters.
Grebe Lake
Grebe Lake is a scenic backcountry lake located in the central portion of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Situated at an elevation of approximately 8,020 feet (2,445 m), the lake covers about 156 acres (0.63 sq km) and is roughly square-shaped, measuring approximately 0.75 miles (1.21 km) in both length and width. Surrounded by forests, meadows, and wetlands, Grebe Lake serves as the primary headwaters of the Gibbon River and is one of Yellowstone's most popular destinations for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The lake is reached via the Grebe Lake Trail, which begins about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west of Canyon Junction on the Norris–Canyon Road. The trail is approximately 6.4 miles (10.3 km) round-trip and typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours to complete. Considered an easy hike, it follows a mostly flat former fire road through lodgepole pine forests, open meadows, and areas affected by the 1988 Yellowstone fires, gaining only about 147 feet (45 m) in elevation.
Grebe Lake was originally fishless but was later stocked and has since become one of the few places in the contiguous United States where anglers can catch Arctic grayling. The lake also supports populations of Westslope cutthroat trout, making it a highly regarded fly-fishing destination. Fishing is generally best during June and July, and anglers often favor the northern and eastern shorelines, where open grassy meadows and firm lake bottoms provide ideal wading conditions. Float tubes are commonly used to access deeper water and improve fishing opportunities.
The western and southern shores are more heavily forested and marshy, creating excellent habitat for wildlife. Moose, trumpeter swans, waterfowl, and numerous bird species are frequently observed around the lake and its wetlands. Grizzly bears also inhabit the region, and hikers are advised to travel in groups, carry bear spray, and remain alert while on the trail. Dogs are not permitted on the Grebe Lake Trail.
For backpackers, the area surrounding the lake contains four designated backcountry campsites (4G2 through 4G5), offering opportunities for overnight stays in one of Yellowstone's quieter wilderness settings. Combining easy access, productive fishing, abundant wildlife, and scenic landscapes, Grebe Lake remains one of the park's most rewarding backcountry destinations.
Delusion Lake
Delusion Lake is a remote backcountry lake located in the southern wilderness of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Covering approximately 568 acres (0.89 square miles), it is the 5th largest lake in the park and ranks among Yellowstone's few major lakes alongside Yellowstone, Shoshone, Lewis, and Heart lakes. Situated at an elevation of approximately 7,825 feet (2,385 m), the lake measures about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) in length and 0.4 miles (0.6 km) in width. Surrounded by forests, meadows, and mountain landscapes, it remains one of Yellowstone's least-visited and most isolated bodies of water.
The lake derives its unusual name from an early surveying mistake. During geological expeditions in the 1870s, explorers believed the lake was an extension of Yellowstone Lake, similar to Flat Mountain Arm. Later mapping revealed that it was actually separated from Yellowstone Lake by a prominent ridge, leading surveyors to name it "Delusion Lake" in recognition of their misconception.
Delusion Lake lies within the Solution Creek drainage basin and is surrounded by burned forest areas, open meadows, and wetlands that support abundant wildlife. Water from nearby Riddle Lake flows into Solution Creek, which winds through the surrounding backcountry before continuing through Yellowstone's southern lake region. Portions of the shoreline feature marshes and lily pad-covered shallows, while the surrounding terrain provides impressive views toward Flat Mountain Bay and Mount Sheridan.
Reaching Delusion Lake requires a strenuous backcountry journey, as no official National Park Service trail leads directly to the shoreline. Most visitors begin at the Riddle Lake Trailhead south of Grant Village and follow the established trail approximately 2 miles to Riddle Lake. From there, hikers leave maintained trails and navigate northeast along Solution Creek through marshy meadows, dense forest, and old burn areas before reaching the lake. The round-trip journey is roughly 15 miles and requires strong navigation skills, making it suitable only for experienced backcountry travelers.
Because of its remote location, Delusion Lake offers exceptional solitude and wilderness recreation opportunities. Anglers occasionally visit the lake to fish for cutthroat trout and brook trout, while adventurous paddlers sometimes carry kayaks or paddleboards across the entire route to explore its calm waters. There are no boat launches, developed campsites, or visitor facilities anywhere along the shoreline, preserving the lake's untouched character.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the area. Moose, elk, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, and other bird species are frequently observed in the surrounding meadows and wetlands. Both grizzly bears and black bears are common within the Solution Creek drainage, making bear spray, proper food storage, and wilderness awareness essential for all visitors.
The best time to visit Delusion Lake is from July through August, when snow has largely melted from the backcountry routes and temperatures are generally mild. Weather conditions can change rapidly, however, and overnight temperatures often fall into the 40s°F (4–9°C) even during summer. Overnight camping requires a Yellowstone National Park backcountry permit, and visitors should be fully prepared for off-trail travel, changing weather, wildlife encounters, and the complete absence of services.
Isa Lake
Isa Lake is a small but remarkably unique lake located at Craig Pass in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Situated at an elevation of 8,262 feet (2,518 m) along the Continental Divide, the lake covers roughly 1 acre (0.4 hectares). It is one of the few natural lakes in the world associated with drainage toward two different oceans. Isa Lake is easily accessible from the Grand Loop Road between the Old Faithful area and West Thumb Geyser Basin, where visitors can stop at roadside pullouts to view the lake and Continental Divide markers.
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| Isa Lake |
Isa Lake is best known for its unusual "backward" drainage system. Water leaving the lake's western side ultimately flows into the Firehole River, then the Madison, Missouri, and Mississippi rivers before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. In contrast, water from the eastern side enters the Lewis River, which flows into the Snake and Columbia rivers and eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean. Because the drainage directions appear opposite to what many visitors expect, Isa Lake has become one of Yellowstone's most famous hydrological curiosities.
Unlike most lakes in the park, Isa Lake has no permanent inlet streams and relies almost entirely on winter snowpack and spring snowmelt for replenishment. Its two-ocean drainage phenomenon is most noticeable during the spring runoff season when water levels are high enough to overflow both sides of the basin. During dry years and late summer, water levels may fall below the drainage thresholds, temporarily turning the lake into a stagnant, closed basin where water exits only through evaporation.
The lake was discovered in 1891 by Hiram M. Chittenden while surveying a route through Craig Pass. He named the lake after Isabel Jelke of Cincinnati, although the exact reason for the dedication remains unclear in historical records.
Although Isa Lake is relatively small, it holds an important place in global hydrology. Natural lakes associated with drainage toward two different ocean basins are exceptionally rare. During summer, the lake is often covered with yellow pond lilies, adding to its scenic appeal and making it a popular stop for visitors traveling between Yellowstone Lake and the Old Faithful region.
Trout Lake
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| Trout Lake |
Mallard Lake
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| Mallard Lake |
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