About This Route
The Shoshone Lake Loop is a premier 20-30 mile backpacking circuit in Yellowstone's remote southwest, accessible via Lewis Lake trailhead or the Grants Pass portage. Circumnavigating the largest backcountry lake in the lower 48 (8,000 acres), you'll pass sandy beaches, geyser basins, and forested ridges with sites like Shoshone (8C1-8C8). Expect 3-5 days; NPS backcountry permits mandatory. Highlights include the Lewis Falls viewpoint and isolated coves perfect for Leave No Trace camping. The route connects to Heart Lake trails for extensions.
Safety Considerations
Grizzlies roam freely; never camp near bear signs like scat or digs, per NPS guidelines. Bear spray is non-negotiable; REI experts stress quick-access holsters. Make noise on switchbacks; off-trail berry patches attract bears July-August. Lightning storms peak afternoons; seek low ground away from lakeshores. Mosquitoes swarm early season; use DEET and headnets. Water from lake is safe but filter it. Bison wallows dot beaches; give 100 yards. Navigation challenges on unmarked segments; use GPS with offline Gaia maps. Hypothermia risk high at 7,800 ft even summer nights (temps drop to 30F). Practice bear-aware cooking 100 yards from tents. Group hiking reduces risks; Yellowstone stats show pairs safer than solos. Watch for deadfall from windstorms near North Shoshone Creek.
Essential Gear
Inflatable pad (Therm-a-Rest NeoAir), rain gear (Arc'teryx Beta), bear-resistant food bag, personal locator beacon (SPOT Gen4), bug headnet, fishing permit if angling, and comprehensive topo map.