One more place to enjoy near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
Yellowstone Lake is located in Yellowstone’s West Thumb area and holds the title of being both the park’s largest body of water and the largest high-elevation lake above 7,000 feet in North America. It stretches for 20 miles in length and 14 miles in width, boasting an impressive 141 miles of shoreline. While its average water temperature is around 41 degrees Fahrenheit, swimming is not recommended due to the cold temperatures. If someone were to find themselves in the water, their survival time would only be between 20 and 30 minutes. However, visitors can still enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake by exploring the hiking trails, taking a boat ride, or trying their luck at fishing. It’s important to note that the lake freezes over starting in early December and remains frozen until early June.
Yellowstone Lake offers a variety of hiking trails for you to explore its beauty. If you prefer easier hikes, you can try the Pelican Creek Nature Trail loop, which is 0.8 miles long and has a minimal elevation gain of less than 100 feet. Another option is the Storm Point Trail loop, which spans 2.5 miles and also has a gentle elevation gain.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Elephant Back Mountain Trail loop might be perfect. It covers a distance of 3.6 miles and involves an elevation gain of around 800 feet. Alternatively, you can take on the Avalanche Peak Trail, a strenuous 4.5-mile hike with a significant elevation gain of approximately 2,100 feet. Both trails lead to breathtaking views of Yellowstone Lake from their summits.