West Thumb Area: Shoshone Lake Trail

Distance, round trip: 6 miles
Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Trailhead: 8.8 miles west of West Thumb Junction.

The Shoshone Lake Trail (via DeLacy Creek) is a hike along a forest's edge and through open meadows to the shores of Yellowstone's largest backcountry lake. Look for sandhill cranes in meadows, moose near shore, and water birds on and near the lake. Beyond here the trail continues into Yellowstone's vast backcountry. The dayhike stops here; return by the same route.