Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Length: Shoshone Lake Loop – 28 miles; Heart Lake Loop – 34 miles
Closest Town: Moran
Directions: Directions from Moran: Head north on US-191 N/US-287N/US-89N for 41 miles. You will pass into both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. In Yellowstone, Heart Lake Trailhead is on the right 14 miles past the entrance. Dogshead/Channel Trailhead for Shoshone Lake is shortly after the Heart Lake Trailhead, on the left.
Maps:
USGS 7.5 Quadrangles: Mount Sheridan, Lewis Falls, Shoshone Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful; Trails Illustrated #201C; CDT Mapset: Maps 285-290, Section WY21 and WY22.
For More Information:
Yellowstone National Park: (307)-344-7381.
Note that there is a fee to enter Yellowstone National Park.
Entering Yellowstone from the south, there are two trailheads that offer access to the CDT. From the Dogshead/Channel Trailhead, follow the CDT to Shoshone Lake and enjoy your lunch at a campsite in a meadow on the south shore of this enchanted lake, the largest lake in the contiguous US without road access. Alternatively, backpack in and wake up early to see an abundance of wildlife activity along the lake’s shoreline. From the Heart Lake Trailhead, head south and you’ll find more alpine scenery, hot springs, geysers, and the fourth largest lake in the park. Permits are required for backcountry camping. Both hikes can be shortened for day trips.
Photo by Johnny Carr
