Duck Lake
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
| Address: | Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA |
| GPS: |
44°24'59.9"N 110°34'31.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
| Trails/Routes: | 0.5 mi |
Lakes Trails National Park
Hike
Duck Lake Trail is located near Grant Village and West Thumb. This is a simple 0.8 miles hike that takes you through the Lodgepole pine forest. This hike is special because the surrounding forest details the catastrophic effects of 1988 wildfires. The forest also displays its resilience as saplings push through the soil to replenish the forest. The path for the trail begins on the main road across from the parking lot.The trail itself goes up a hill and then as you reach the peak of the hill, the beautiful Duck Lake is exposed.The hill then slopes onto the shore of Duck Lake creating a sandy beach feel.There are many tress that have fallen along the shoreline due to the fire. These trees can be used as a seating area, or picnic area.This trail is great for hikers of all ages.The hardest portion of the hike is the beginning, but making it over the hill will be well worth it. The lake can be enjoyed for its scenic value. Duck Lake has many calming properties because it is a very still lake. Apart from wind forming ripples, you won't see much action in the lake itself. If you'd like, you can also take a stroll along the beach and relax.
Except for the occasional buzz of cars near the west end of the lake, you might have little idea that this lake is just 100 yards from the highway. Many hikers have said that the most peaceful time is during the evening right before the sun sets over the lake.
WARNING: This location is not considered a swimming area and would be best if you wore closed-toe shoes and kept shoes on because leeches have been reported.
More Information
Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
This Yellowstone National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yellowstone National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yellowstone-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinBackcountry Conditions - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
This page provides a map and details conditions of trail status, closures, and known hazards.
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htmDuck Lake - Hike 734
Duck Lake in Yellowstone National Park is a short hike near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake that takes you to a nice lake with broad, sandy beaches. With a little more time left in the day, I snuck out to Duck Lake out of the West Thumb Geyser Basin parking lot. The trail crosses the busy […]
https://hike734.com/trip/duck-lake/Oh, Ranger! Park Finder
Oh, Ranger! Park Finder
https://www.ohranger.com/yellowstone/poi/duck-lake-trailBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
- Head north toward Rainbow Loop (105 ft)
- Turn left onto Rainbow Loop (315 ft)
- Turn left onto Grant Village Rd (1.0 mi)
- Turn right onto US-191 N/
US-287 N/ US-89 N Toll roadParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(1.8 mi) - Turn right onto US-20 EParts of this road may be closed at certain times or daysDestination will be on the left(0.2 mi)
Parking for the hike is the same as for that for West Thumb Geyser Basin, a quarter of a mile from the edge of Yellowstone Lake. The path starts just across the main road.
Other Hiking Trails Nearby
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HikeNearby Campsites
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