Top 20 Lakes in Wyoming
Lakes in Wyoming are a prominent feature of the state's diverse natural landscape, offering extensive wilderness and recreational opportunities. Wyoming is home to over 4,000 lakes and reservoirs, many situated within national parks and forests. These bodies of water are often glacially carved, contributing to the state's rugged and scenic environment. The region's geography includes high-altitude lakes and those nestled at the base of mountain ranges like the Tetons.
Best lakes in Wyoming
- The most popular lakes is Taggart Lake…
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Taggart Lake
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Delta Lake
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Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat Service Dock
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Black Pool
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Jenny Lake Overlook
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Sour Lake
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String Lake Footbridge
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West Thumb Geyser Basin
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Bradley Lake
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Lakeside Spring
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Popular around Wyoming
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route — Cycling the spine of a continent
Teton Crest Trail — Exploring the Wild Side of the Grand Tetons
Like in the Wild West – hiking on the Oregon Trail
From the Arctic Ocean to the Panama Canal — North American Epic
From the mountain peaks to the prairie – Rocky Mountains and Great Plains
The pristine beauty of the US National Parks
Hiking in Wyoming
MTB Trails in Wyoming
Cycling in Wyoming
Road Cycling Routes in Wyoming
Other adventures in Wyoming
Tips from the Community
This is the main attraction and one of the most beautiful geothermal areas in the park. It is located directly on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. The basin is famous for its unique scenery, where hot springs, mud pots, and geysers steam against the backdrop of the cold Yellowstone Lake and the distant Absaroka Mountains. Although there is less geyser activity than in other basins, West Thumb offers a wide variety of hydrothermal features.
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Sour Lake is a well-known geothermal feature in the Mud Volcano Area of Yellowstone National Park. This area is famous for its unusual and extremely acidic mud springs and thermal pools. Sour Lake is one of the most acidic thermal pools in Yellowstone, formed by the geological and microbial processes in the Mud Volcano Area.
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After Labor Day Shuttle Service starts at 10AM, last trip back at 4PM. Very convenient service to expand hiking options.
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Sour Lake is located in Yellowstone National Park and is a highly acidic body of water. The lake's extreme acidity is because of the microorganisms that live in it; they convert high levels of sulfur in the area into sulfuric acid. This process not only makes the water highly corrosive but also contributes to the lake's distinctive blue color. Sour Lake is not suitable for swimming or any direct contact due to its dangerous acidity so please only take photos and stay on the designated path.
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Super nice hike, but the rating of the trails by Komoot is wrong. On the map it looks like the trail further down from the Lupine Meadows car park is T3 and then at the turnoff to Delta Lake T2. In reality the trail is T2 up to the turnoff and then, at least in phases, T3. There are two scree fields and some very steep sections. But it's all doable and there are also several families with children on the trail.
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Highly recommended loop trail - past mud pots and colored hot springs. Right on Yellowstone Lake.
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Parking Lots fill up quickly, so come early or be prepared to hike a little further.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some highly-rated lakes in Wyoming for outdoor enthusiasts?
Wyoming offers many stunning lakes. For a picturesque setting and a quiet circular hike, consider Taggart Lake, known for its secluded atmosphere. Another popular spot is Jenny Lake Overlook, offering breathtaking views of the Teton Range. For unique natural features, Black Pool on Yellowstone Lake is notable for its crystal blue waters and proximity to other hot springs.
Which lakes are best for boating and water sports in Wyoming?
Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park is a prime destination for boating, including water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and powerboating, with rentals available. Fremont Lake near Pinedale also offers diverse recreation like boating and sailing. For a more relaxed experience, Lewis Lake in Yellowstone National Park is ideal for quiet boating.
Are there good hiking trails around Wyoming's lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer excellent hiking opportunities. The 7.1-mile Jenny Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park is very popular, leading to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. You can find various hiking routes across the state, including easy, moderate, and difficult options. Explore more hiking trails in the region on our Hiking in Wyoming guide.
Which lakes are suitable for family-friendly activities?
String Lake in Grand Teton National Park is particularly family-friendly due to its shallow, relatively warm waters, perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking. Jenny Lake also offers scenic boat rides and easy trails. The West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake is also family-friendly, with accessible paths to unique thermal features.
Can I go fishing in Wyoming's lakes?
Absolutely. Fishing is a popular activity in many Wyoming lakes. Yellowstone Lake is known for cutthroat trout, while Jackson Lake offers various trout species including native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat, brown, and lake trout. Lewis Lake is excellent for brown, brook, and lake trout, and Lake Hattie near Laramie is famous for large trout. Seminoe Reservoir also provides great trout fishing.
When is the best time to visit Wyoming's lakes?
The best time to visit Wyoming's lakes for most recreational activities like hiking, boating, and swimming is typically from late spring through early fall (June to September). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and trails and facilities are fully open. Some lakes, like Yellowstone Lake, freeze from early December to late May, offering unique winter scenery.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near Wyoming's lakes?
Wyoming's lakes are rich in wildlife. Around Yellowstone Lake, you might spot bald eagles, osprey, and pelicans. Fremont Lake offers opportunities to see osprey, moose, black bear, and eagles. Grand Teton National Park, home to Jackson and Jenny Lakes, is also known for diverse wildlife viewing.
Are there lakes with unique geothermal features?
Yes, Yellowstone Lake is notable for its geothermal activity. The West Thumb Geyser Basin, located directly on the lake's shore, features colorful thermoaquatic pools and geysers. Black Pool and Lakeside Spring are other examples of hot springs emptying into Yellowstone Lake, creating unique landscapes.
Are there accessible lakes for visitors with mobility needs?
The West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake is wheelchair accessible, offering an excellent overview of the colorful thermal pools and geysers on flat paths, just steps from visitor facilities.
What cycling opportunities are available near Wyoming's lakes?
There are several cycling routes near Wyoming's lakes, catering to different skill levels. For example, you can find routes like the 'Fountain Freight Road Bike Trail' in Yellowstone National Park or the 'Jenny Lake & Snake River loop' in Grand Teton National Park. More options are available in our Cycling in Wyoming guide.
Are there opportunities for mountain biking near the lakes?
Yes, Wyoming offers mountain biking trails in areas surrounding its lakes. Trails like 'Quakie Ridge Trail loop' in Caribou-Targhee National Forest or 'Cache Creek to West Game Trail loop' near Jackson provide varying levels of difficulty. Discover more mountain biking trails in our MTB Trails in Wyoming guide.
Which lakes offer a quieter, more secluded experience?
Lewis Lake in Yellowstone National Park is known for offering a quieter alternative to more crowded areas, ideal for peaceful fishing and lakeside camping. Taggart Lake also provides a quiet and secluded atmosphere, perfect for a tranquil circular hike.
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