West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail

Stroll through a geyser basin of colorful hot springs and dormant lakeshore geysers situated on the scenic shores of Yellowstone Lake. Trails and boardwalks are handicapped accessible with assistance.

Trailhead: West Thumb Geyser Basin, 1/4 mile east of West Thumb Junction

Distance: 3/8 mile (1 km) roundtrip

Level of Difficulty: Easy; boardwalk trail with slight grade as trail descends to and climbs up from the lake shore

Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail

Hike to a high mountain meadow for a commanding view of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Mountains.

Trailhead: Trailhead sign at entrance to West Thumb Geyser Basin parking area

Distance: 2 miles (3 km) roundtrip

Level of Difficulty: Moderate; mostly level terrain with a moderately strenuous 400-foot elevation gain near the overlook.

Shoshone Lake Trail (via DeLacy Creek)

Hike along a forest's edge and through open meadows to the shores of Yellowstone's largest backcountry lake. Look for wildlife in meadows.

Trailhead: Trailhead sign at DeLacy Creek, 8.8 miles west of West Thumb Junction

Distance: 6 miles (10 km) roundtrip

Level of Difficulty: Moderate; flat trail with no steep grades

Riddle Lake Trail

Crossing the Continental Divide, hike through small mountain meadows and forests to the shores of a picturesque little lake. Look for moose in the marshy meadows and for birds near the lake. Bear Management Area--trail opens July 15.

Trailhead: Approximately 3 miles south of the Grant Village intersection, immediately south of the Continental Divide sign

Distance: 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip

Level of Difficulty: Moderate; level walking

Lewis River Channel/Shoshone Lake Loop Trail

Get a feel for Yellowstone's backcountry...hike through a forested area to the colorful waters of the Lewis River Channel. Look for eagles and osprey fishing for trout in the shallow waters. For an all-day hike, follow the channel to Shoshone Lake and return via the forested Dogshead Trail.

Trailhead: Approximately 5 miles south of Grant Village intersection, just north of Lewis Lake on west side of the road

Roundtrip Distance: To channel outlet--7 miles (11 km) roundtrip; Loop--11 miles (17.5) roundtrip

Level of Difficulty: Moderate; mostly level, some rolling terrain

Duck Lake Trail

Climb a small hill for a view of Duck and Yellowstone lakes and explore the effects of the 1988 fires that swept through this area. Trail descends to lakeshore.

Trailhead: Trail begins in West Thumb Geyser Basin parking area, across the lot from Lake Overlook trailhead.

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip

Level of Difficulty: Moderate