Summary:
Almost half of the land in Wyoming is owned by the US government, comprising mountains, national parks, national forests, and wildlife reserves. It is also home to national historic trails, monuments, and recreation areas, establishing itself as a highly sought-after vacation destination.
Wyoming is a state of considerable elevation, with its lowest point at 945 meters and its highest point at Gannett Peak, which exceeds 4,200 meters above sea level. The variations in elevation contribute to a multitude of lakes at different elevations, all sharing the common attribute of breathtaking beauty and splendid scenery. Below is a compilation of the 15 most remarkable lakes in Wyoming.
1. Jackson Lake; Teton County
Positioned at 2,064 meters above sea level, Jackson Lake is nestled within the Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming. This 10,340-hectare lake is enveloped by majestic mountain peaks, which enhances its grandeur.
Originally constructed in 1911, Jackson Lake has since expanded to serve agricultural needs of neighboring Idaho. Currently, it ranks as the fourth largest reservoir in the state, although it originated as a natural lake sculpted by a substantial glacier.
The western shoreline maintains a rugged charm, while the eastern side features marinas, lodges, and camping areas. Unique among lakes in the national park, Jackson Lake allows water skiing, windsurfing, and sailing, and is one of only two lakes permitting motorized boats.
2. Yellowstone Lake; Teton County
As indicated by its name, Yellowstone Lake is situated in Yellowstone National Park and is the largest lake within the park boundaries. Moreover, it is the largest freshwater lake above 2,100 meters in North America, resting at 2,357 meters.
Covering an expansive 35,000 hectares, Yellowstone Lake features a 180-kilometer shoreline housing camping grounds, hiking trails, and a fishing bridge located at the northern tip. Fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat trout has been a favored activity since the late 1800s, with opportunities available from June 15 to the first Sunday in November.
A popular choice for visitors is a one-hour guided boat tour that allows them to appreciate the striking and peaceful scenery. Activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and boating are common, along with hiking and cycling along the trails surrounding the lake.
3. Flaming Gorge Reservoir; Sweetwater County
At 17,000 hectares, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir represents the largest reservoir in Wyoming and extends southward into Utah. Most of the lake, however, is situated in Wyoming along the Green River, flanked by the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
This visually appealing reservoir is positioned at an elevation of 1,841 meters above sea level within a steep and narrow gorge, creating mesmerizing geological scenery that is ideal for photography.
The allure of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir attracts tourists, who come to take advantage of boating, windsurfing, water skiing, and fishing opportunities, as well as backpacking and camping. In winter, the area is popular for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
4. Jenny Lake; Teton County
Formed over 12,000 years ago by glaciers reshaping rock debris, Jenny Lake has become a standout feature of the Grand Teton National Park, with numerous hiking paths surrounding it, including the Jenny Lake Trail.
This 482-hectare lake is at an elevation of 2,067 meters above sea level and is framed by some of the tallest peaks in the Teton Range. It serves as a gateway to various climbing routes and gives access to multiple hiking trails.
Jenny Lake is esteemed for scenic boat rides, as its surroundings are stunningly picturesque. There are several viewpoints along the Jenny Lake Trail that offer impressive views of the lake and its environment.
5. Leigh Lake; Teton County
Also found in Grand Teton National Park, Leigh Lake is a glacially-formed body of water positioned at the terminus of both the Paintbrush and Leigh Canyons, offering breathtaking views. It is located just southeast of Mount Moran, with the 3,840-meter-high mountain as its backdrop.
Leigh Lake rises to an elevation of 2,096 meters above sea level and encompasses a surface area of 725 hectares. Although it is relatively small, its scenic beauty makes it unforgettable. Access is granted via hiking along the Leigh Lake Trail from the North Jenny Lake Junction, located to the south.
Campsites are available along the trail for visitors wishing to extend their stay, although the hike is feasible as a day trek. Motorized boats are prohibited here, yet canoeing, kayaking, and rowing are permitted and quite popular.
6. Glendo Reservoir; Platte & Converse Counties
Located along the North Platte River in eastern Wyoming, Glendo Reservoir was created by the Glendo Dam. Situated entirely within Glendo State Park, it is a favored spot for recreational activities.
Water sports are the primary draw of the lake, particularly fishing, boating, and water skiing. Along its shorelines, visitors will find a marina, a 2.4-kilometer sandy beach, a boat ramp, and a network of 72 kilometers of mountain biking trails.
Within the state park, there are over 500 campsites available for tents and motorhomes. The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and boat ramps, making it an ideal location for short or extended stays.
7. Phelps Lake; Teton County
Located in the southern part of Grand Teton National Park, Phelps Lake serves as the gateway to Death Canyon, a formation resulting from glacial activity approximately 15,000 years ago. This picturesque lake is encircled by forest and peaks, making it an exceptional photographic opportunity.
Phelps Lake is especially known for its ‘jumping rock’, which functions as a natural diving board. This rock is located on the northern side of the lake, offering a nine-meter plunge into the 300-hectare lake.
Access to the lake is on foot, as there is no road leading directly to it. Visitors can arrive via the Death Canyon Trailhead or Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, followed by a hike along the Phelps Lake Loop to take in the stunning vistas.
8. Lake Alice; Lincoln County
Lake Alice is situated within the Bridger-Teton National Forest, reaching an elevation of 2,362 meters, making it the largest natural lake in the area. This distinctive lake was formed through a massive landslide from Lake Mountain thousands of years ago.
Access to the lake is not possible by vehicle; visitors typically arrive by foot, horseback, or mountain bike. Once there, the tranquility and stunning natural surroundings are a delight.
Lake Alice is suitable for camping holidays, with nine campsites available at the southeastern corner of the 93-hectare lake. A picnic area at the southern end provides excellent fishing opportunities.
9. Lower Slide Lake; Teton County
This natural lake is set within the Bridger-Teton National Forest and is surrounded by tranquil nature. Lower Slide Lake was created in 1925 when a landslide obstructed the Gros Ventre River, positioning it at an elevation of 2,106 meters above sea level.
A favored fishing destination, Lower Slide Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including lake trout, mountain whitefish, and Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout. Boat access is available at the Atherton Creek Boating Site on the lake’s northern shoreline, while non-motorized boats can reach the lake via the Slide Lake Boating Site at the western edge of the 260-hectare lake.
In addition to the boat ramps, a serene campground is situated on the lake’s northern shoreline, featuring 22 sites, along with a picnic area. Lower Slide Lake also includes two interpretative areas that provide sweeping views and informative kiosks.
10. Taggart Lake; Teton County
Taggart Lake is nestled in the Grand Teton National Park at an elevation of 2,104 meters above sea level, situated at the end of Avalanche Canyon. This picturesque lake offers splendid views of the national park.
Covering an area of 45 hectares, the lake is a popular destination for hikers, notably due to the 4.8-kilometer Taggart Lake Trail, which begins at Teton Park Road, closed from November to May.
There are no accommodations directly by the lake, making it suitable for a day excursion from Beaver Creek and surrounding communities.
11. Emma Matilda Lake; Teton County
Another stunning lake within Grand Teton National Park, Emma Matilda Lake is named after the wife of one of the first climbers to reach the summit of Grand Teton. Situated at an elevation of 2,095 meters, this natural lake is surrounded by rolling hills and mountain peaks.
Spanning 390 hectares, the lake is only reachable on foot via a 1.6-kilometer trail from the parking area at nearby Two Ocean Lake or from Jackson Lake Lodge. Surrounding the lake is the 17.2-kilometer Emma Matilda Lake Trail, offering sweeping panoramic views of the lake and Teton Range.
One of the most captivating spots to appreciate views of the lake is Lookout Rock, located at the southern end of the lake, rising over nine meters above the water. Visitors should note the presence of bears in the vicinity and are advised to carry bear spray.
12. Bradley Lake; Teton County
Bradley Lake is small yet stunning, situated in Grand Teton National Park just north of Taggart Lake. This 87-hectare lake is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Teton Range.
Elevated at 2,142 meters above sea level, the lake lies near the terminus of Garnet Canyon. Accessible solely by foot via the Bradley Lake Trail, it attracts fewer visitors compared to other parks, ensuring a serene atmosphere. While camping is not permitted along its shoreline, it remains an ideal spot for a day trip from Beaver Creek.
13. Boysen Reservoir; Fremont County
Created by the earthen Boysen Dam, Boysen Reservoir is positioned along the Wind River in central Wyoming. The reservoir is situated at the eastern edge of the Wind River Indian Reservation and is accessible to the public.
Boysen State Park encapsulates the lake, providing numerous recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, rafting, picnicking, and swimming. The marina at the northern tip of the reservoir offers wakeboarding and tubing experiences, as well as camping sites.
Additional campgrounds surrounding the lake accommodate both tents and motorhomes, many featuring extras like swimming beaches, playgrounds, and boat ramps.
14. Trout Lake; Park County
Named for its impressive population of large Yellowstone cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and hybrids, Trout Lake is a delightful fishing destination. A wooden bridge crosses the lake for fishing, while many anglers opt to fish from the shoreline or via float tubes.
Measuring at 4.9 hectares, Trout Lake can be found near the convergence of Pebble Creek and Soda Butte Creek in Yellowstone National Park. Sitting at an elevation of 2,122 meters, the lake is accessible via a short but steep trail traversing the forest.
The lake showcases stunning views of Mount Hornaday in the distance and is frequented by playful river otters seen in the water and along its banks.
15. Shoshone Lake; Teton County
This remote backcountry lake is found in the southwestern region of Yellowstone National Park, sitting at an elevation of 2,376 meters above sea level. Shoshone Lake is renowned for hosting one of the highest concentrations of geysers globally; specifically, the Shoshone Geyser Basin located at the southwest end.
The backdrop of the Yellowstone Caldera can be observed on the lake’s northwest side, contributing to its picturesque nature. Delacy Creek lies at the northern tip, which also hosts a campground.
In addition to the campground at Delacy Creek, there are 19 further campsites along Shoshone Lake’s shorelines. Access to the lake and its campgrounds is achievable exclusively by hiking from the Dogshead/Channel Trailhead or along the Continental Divide Trail.
