Shoshone LakeAbout Shoshone Lake
Shoshone Lake is a large, remote lake inside Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and is noted as one of the park’s principal backcountry waterbodies. It is managed as part of Yellowstone’s wilderness and backcountry system.
The lake is reached only by foottrail or by water and is popular with backcountry campers and anglers seeking a remote setting; motor vehicle roads do not reach the shoreline. Simple lakeshore campsites and trail access points support overnight trips for hikers and paddlers.
Shoshone Lake has been within Yellowstone National Park since the park’s establishment and has long been used by visitors pursuing backcountry recreation; its shoreline and islands show natural features shaped by geological and geothermal processes common in the park.
The lake lies within the central-southern area of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming; access is via park trails that connect it to other backcountry destinations and trailheads maintained by the National Park Service.
- Backcountry access: No road access reaches the lakeshore; all access is by hiking trail or by launching non-motorized boats from other park lakes, and backcountry permits are required for overnight stays.
Nearby Attractions to Shoshone Lake
Best Time to Visit Shoshone Lake
Best visited in summer for trail access; autumn is quieter but weather can turn quickly. Always check park alerts for conditions and permit requirements.
Weather & Climate near Shoshone Lake
Shoshone Lake's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (706 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -17° - -4° | -16° | 87 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -17° - -1° | -14° | 64 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -13° - 2° | -11° | 61 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -9° - 6° | -6° | 49 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -4° - 11° | 1° | 59 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 0° - 16° | 6° | 58 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 3° - 22° | 12° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 2° - 22° | 12° | 43 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -1° - 17° | 6° | 48 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -5° - 11° | 3° | 44 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -10° - 3° | -8° | 69 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -15° - -3° | -15° | 83 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Shoshone Lake
Shoshone Lake is inside Yellowstone National Park and reachable only by trail or non-motorized boat. Typical approaches include hiking from the south via the Heart Lake or Lone Star trailheads; distances and difficulty vary-expect long day hikes or overnight backpacking. The nearest roaded access points are in the southern part of Yellowstone; the closest towns with services are West Yellowstone, MT, or Cody, WY. Check NPS for trail conditions and backcountry permit requirements.
Tips for Visiting Shoshone Lake
- Shoshone Lake is accessible only by trail or by boat-plan for a multi-day trip or a long day hike; check trail conditions and bear-safety requirements before setting out.
- Obtain a backcountry permit from Yellowstone if camping; campsites are limited and strictly regulated.
- There is no motorboating on most interior lakes-travel by non-motorized craft where allowed and be prepared to carry or portage small boats on trails.