Yellowstone Lake
The largest high-elevation lake in North America.
Plan Around Yellowstone Lake
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Yellowstone Lake Details
Twenty miles long and 14 miles across, Yellowstone Lake covers 139 square miles and is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. The lake is 139 feet deep on average, but its deepest point is 390 feet. Several islands dot the lake, of which Frank Island and Stevenson Island are the largest. If you come during winter you'll find ice three feet thick covering most -- but not all -- of the lake. Areas of open water reveal the location of geysers and hot springs under the lake's surface. In Mary Bay, water temperatures of 252 F have been recorded. Several bulges, or areas of rising ground, have been found under the lake, evidence of the powerful magma chamber below and a hint that the Yellowstone volcano will erupt again someday.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
West Thumb to Fishing Bridge
Nearby Parks Around Yellowstone Lake
Compare nearby parks around Yellowstone Lake when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Yellowstone Lake
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Yellowstone Lake while the map context is still fresh.
0.9 mi away
Yellowstone Lake
The largest body of water in the park, it covers 136 square miles with 110 miles of shoreline.
3.2 mi away
Dot Island
A tiny island in Yellowstone Lake, located in the entrance to West Thumb Bay.
3.2 mi away
Canyon Lodge Gift Store
Located within the Canyon Lodge, it features various canyon-themed items.
3.6 mi away
Sand Point
The point was named by the Hayden Survey in 1871 for the sandy beach at the point.
4.0 mi away
Stevenson Island
The largest island in Yellowstone Lake and can easily be seen from the northern end of the lake.
