Yellowstone National Park is world-famous for its geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife, but the park’s lakes are equally impressive. Scattered across Yellowstone’s vast wilderness, these lakes were formed through a combination of glacial sculpting and ancient volcanic activity. Their size, location, and ecological diversity make them key features of the park’s landscape.
The park contains more than 600 lakes and ponds, collectively covering around 107,000 surface acres. However, most of this surface area is concentrated in a handful of large lakes: Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake, Shoshone Lake, and Heart Lake. These major lakes account for approximately 94% of the park’s total lake area, underscoring their prominence in Yellowstone’s aquatic ecosystem.
Table of Contents
Quick Reference Table: Lakes of Yellowstone National Park
| Lake Name | Location in Park | Elevation | Size / Depth | Key Characteristics | Access / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone Lake | Central–Southeastern Yellowstone | 7,733 ft (2,357 m) | 132 sq mi; max depth ~390 ft | Largest high-elevation lake in North America; freezes in winter; underwater geysers and hot springs; major cutthroat trout habitat | Shoreline 141 miles; swimming dangerous; historically called Eustis Lake/Sublette Lake; Hayden Survey exploration in 1871 |
| Lewis Lake | Southern Yellowstone | ~7,800 ft | Medium-sized | Fed by Lewis River; geothermal inflows along northwestern shore and southern outlet; less crowded than Yellowstone Lake | Close to South Entrance; Lewis Lake Campground; popular for fishing, boating, camping |
| Shoshone Lake | Southwestern Yellowstone | ~7,800 ft | 8,050 acres; max depth 205 ft | Second-largest park lake; originally fishless; quiet and remote | Accessible via 7.5-mile Shoshone Lake Trail or canoe/kayak from Lewis River; backcountry access |
| Heart Lake | Southwestern Yellowstone near Mt. Sheridan | ~7,500 ft | Small lake | Heart-shaped; important cutthroat trout habitat; frequented by grizzly bears; scenic hiking destination | 6.5-mile round-trip hike from West Thumb area; surrounded by forests; views of Teton Range |
| Wrangler Lake | Northern Yellowstone backcountry | 7,850 ft (2,390 m) | ~1,200 acres | Remote, high-altitude lake; pristine wilderness | Accessed via ~8-mile hike from Trout Lake Trailhead; rugged terrain |
| Grebe Lake | Northern Yellowstone (Lamar Valley) | ~7,900 ft | 340 acres; ~4 miles long | Historic Arctic grayling habitat; surrounded by lodgepole pine forests and meadows; wildlife-rich area | 7.5-mile round-trip Grebe Lake Trail from Lamar Valley Trailhead; hiking and wildlife viewing |
| Delusion Lake | Northern Yellowstone backcountry | ~8,000 ft | Small lake | Very remote; excellent cutthroat trout fishing; rugged wilderness | Accessed via ~8-mile hike from Slough Creek Trailhead; strenuous backcountry hike; bear safety important |
| Isa Lake | Continental Divide (Wyoming–Montana border) | 8,262 ft | Small alpine lake | Unique dual drainage to Pacific and Atlantic watersheds | ~1 mile round-trip hike from Isa Lake Overlook along Highway 287/191; accessible and scenic |
| Trout Lake | Northern Yellowstone (Lamar Valley) | ~7,900 ft | 12 acres | Scenic, wildlife-rich lake | 7.5-mile round-trip hike via Trout Lake Trail from Lamar Valley Trailhead; moderate hike; formerly Fish Lake |
| Mallard Lake | Northern Yellowstone (Lamar Valley) | ~7,800 ft | Small lake | Quiet and remote; fishing opportunities; scenic meadows and forests | 6-mile round-trip hike via Mallard Lake Trail from Slough Creek Trailhead; peaceful backcountry experience |
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake stands out as the park’s largest and most iconic lake. Situated at an elevation of 7,733 feet (2,357 meters), it is the highest-elevation lake of its size in North America. Covering roughly 132 square miles (342 square kilometers), Yellowstone Lake stretches about 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) in length and 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) in width, with a shoreline extending 141 miles (227 kilometers).
The lake remains extremely cold year-round, averaging 41°F (5°C). During winter, it freezes entirely, typically from late December to early January, with ice thickness ranging from a few inches to over two feet. Melting begins around late May or early June. Swimming in Yellowstone Lake is highly dangerous due to the frigid temperatures, which allow only 20 to 30 minutes of survival in the water.
Yellowstone Lake supports the largest population of wild cutthroat trout in North America. Although cutthroat trout are native to the Pacific Ocean basin, historical drainage patterns allowed them to cross the Continental Divide and establish themselves in the lake. However, invasive lake trout pose a serious threat to the native cutthroat population.
The lake also has remarkable geological features. Submersible robots have revealed a complex underwater landscape of geysers, hot springs, and deep canyons. Stevenson Island marks a particularly deep canyon reaching 390 feet (119 meters), surpassing previous measurements near West Thumb. Mary Bay hosts subaquatic geothermal vents with temperatures up to 252°F (122°C), highlighting Yellowstone Lake’s ongoing geothermal activity.
Historically, the lake was known by several names, including Eustis Lake and Sublette Lake, before becoming officially recognized as Yellowstone Lake. The 1871 Hayden Survey conducted the first formal boat exploration, marking an important moment in the lake’s documented history.
Lewis Lake
Lewis Lake lies in the southern portion of Yellowstone, approximately four miles (6.4 kilometers) southeast of Shoshone Lake and ten miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Yellowstone Lake. It is near the Pitchstone Plateau and sits at roughly 7,800 feet in elevation. Named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the lake feeds the Lewis River, which flows south toward the Snake River near the park’s southern boundary.
Lewis Lake is less crowded than Yellowstone Lake, providing a quieter experience for visitors. Its primary inflow is the Lewis River, supplemented by small creeks and geothermal springs located along the northwestern shore and the southern outlet. These geothermal inflows contribute to localized warm water areas along the lake.
Recreational activities include fishing, boating, and camping. The Lewis Lake Campground offers convenient access, and its proximity to the South Entrance makes it a popular stop for visitors entering from that direction.
Shoshone Lake
Shoshone Lake is the park’s second-largest lake, covering 8,050 acres with a maximum depth of 205 feet. It rests at approximately 7,800 feet elevation in the southwestern backcountry. Shoshone Lake is relatively remote and can be accessed mainly via hiking trails or by canoe through the Lewis River.
Originally fishless due to natural barriers along the Lewis River, fish species including lake trout, brown trout, and Utah chubs were introduced beginning in 1890. The lake remains quiet and secluded, ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and backcountry exploration.
The 7.5-mile Shoshone Lake Trail, starting from the Lewis River, provides hikers with views of the surrounding volcanic terrain, meadows, and forests, allowing visitors to experience the park’s wilderness with minimal human disturbance.
Heart Lake
Heart Lake lies near Mount Sheridan in southwestern Yellowstone, with an elevation of about 7,500 feet. Named for its heart-like shape, the lake is smaller than Yellowstone or Shoshone but holds great ecological importance. It is accessible via a 6.5-mile round-trip hike from the West Thumb trailhead.
Heart Lake is surrounded by forests and scenic vistas, including distant views of peaks in the Teton Range. Yellowstone cutthroat trout inhabit the waters, and grizzly bears frequently visit the area. These factors make Heart Lake a prime location for backcountry enthusiasts seeking both wildlife encounters and natural beauty.
Wrangler Lake
Wrangler Lake is a remote, high-altitude lake located in northern Yellowstone at 7,850 feet (2,390 meters). Covering roughly 1,200 acres, it is surrounded by dense forest and rocky terrain. Access requires an 8-mile hike from the Trout Lake Trailhead, making it a challenging destination for backcountry hikers.
The lake’s remote location ensures solitude and pristine environmental conditions. Hikers visiting Wrangler Lake should be prepared for cool temperatures, thin air at high elevation, and variable weather conditions.
Grebe Lake
Grebe Lake, situated in the northern Lamar Valley, covers approximately 340 acres and extends about four miles in length. The lake sits at around 7,900 feet elevation and is flanked by lodgepole pine forests and open meadows. Historically, it was home to Arctic grayling, a distinctive fish species with a sail-like dorsal fin. Efforts have been made to restore native fish species to the lake.
The Grebe Lake Trail is 7.5 miles round-trip, beginning at the Lamar Valley Trailhead. Hikers experience wide-open valley views, rugged terrain, and abundant wildlife, making Grebe Lake a favored destination for wildlife observation and birding.
Delusion Lake
Delusion Lake is a secluded northern backcountry lake at an elevation of about 8,000 feet. It is accessible via an 8-mile hike from the Slough Creek Trailhead. The trail traverses dense forests and rugged terrain, making the lake a strenuous but rewarding destination.
Delusion Lake provides excellent cutthroat trout fishing and is surrounded by dramatic wilderness scenery. Visitors must follow bear safety protocols and be prepared for backcountry conditions. Its isolation and natural beauty make it a prized destination for experienced hikers.
Isa Lake
Isa Lake is a small alpine lake located on the Continental Divide at 8,262 feet elevation, straddling the border between Wyoming and Montana. Its unique dual drainage sends waters to both the Pacific Ocean via the Snake River and the Atlantic Ocean via the Missouri River.
The lake is accessible via a short trail from the Isa Lake Overlook along Highway 287/191. The round-trip hike is approximately one mile, providing easy access for visitors. Isa Lake’s location and hydrological uniqueness make it a significant point of interest in Yellowstone’s high country.
Trout Lake
Trout Lake, formerly called Fish Lake, covers 12 acres in the northern Lamar Valley. It is accessible via the Trout Lake Trail, a 7.5-mile round-trip hike beginning at the Lamar Valley Trailhead. The lake’s surroundings include expansive meadows and forests, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as bison, elk, and wolves.
Despite its small size, Trout Lake is valued for its scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, and moderate hiking access.
Mallard Lake
Mallard Lake is another northern Yellowstone lake located near Slough Creek. It sits at approximately 7,800 feet elevation and is surrounded by meadows and lodgepole pine forests. The Mallard Lake Trail, which begins at the Slough Creek Trailhead, is a six-mile round-trip hike.
This small lake provides opportunities for fishing cutthroat trout and observing wildlife in a quiet, remote setting. Its backcountry location ensures minimal human disturbance and a peaceful experience for visitors.
