DeLacy Creek Trail to Shoshone Lake

Looking for a less strenuous hike than yesterday's, we headed the 37 miles to the Old Faithful area and the trailhead which was practically on the Continental Divide. Shoshone Lake is Yellowstone's most popular backcountry destination, but our plan was to hike the 3 miles to the lake and then return. Under the heading that "everything is famous for something",  Shoshone Lake is the largest lake in the lower 48 that cannot be reached by road, only by foot or canoe.

The trail started out following DeLacy Creek through a lodgepole pine forest unburned in the 1988 fires. After 1 mile, DeLacy Creek widened and the trail opened up into a series of meadows. This is at the 2 mile mark and we began to get glimpses of Shoshone Lake (click on the picture to make it larger and see more details).

Just before DeLacy Creek enters the lake we could look back at the lodgepole forest.

DeLacy Creek entering Shoshone Lake.

We think the snow-covered peaks are part of the Red Mountains in the southwest region of Yellowstone Park. Shoshone Lake lies in a basin surrounded mostly by forest. Large and cold, it covers 8,050 acres with a depth of 205 feet and its colors range from a lovely aquamarine in the shallow areas near shore to a rich dark blue where it deepens. 

Frederick walking along the driftwood strewn shore. The beach was black, volcanic sand.

Walking with a view to the west, and...

to the east.

We walked back through the lodgepole pine forest. The lodgepole pine is aptly named for its historical use among Native Americans in building teepees. In an open space in the forest, someone had erected a teepee from downed trees.

Hike statistics:

Length - 6.42 miles

Elevation gain - 400 feet (41 floors on the Fitbit)

Duration - 2 hours, 29 minutes