I can’t say Duck Lake is the best hike in Yellowstone National Park, though it is nice. It’s a simple hike (once you find the trailhead) without any trail junctions, and it would be the perfect place to take small children if you happen to be in the West Thumb area. The lake is also off the radar of many people visiting the park, so it can be quite quiet (other than the occasional car visible across the lake). I would imagine early morning would have the best wildlife – all we saw in the mid-afternoon was one very cute squirrel in a tree!
Quick Stats
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0.0 Duck Lake Trailhead (7,796ft.). The trailhead is at the opposite end of the parking area from the West Thumb Geyser Basin but on the side side of the lot (the northeast corner). Follow the trail through the forest. Almost immediately, the path crosses the road via a crosswalk – technically, hikers have the right of way, but most tourists don’t know that, so use caution, especially if you happen to be hiking with children. After the road crossing, the path heads uphill through the trees, passes under power lines, then begins its descent to Duck Lake. I especially enjoyed the downhill portion because the trees are different from most areas of the park. (44.4164180°, -110.5751150°)
0.5 Duck Lake (7,797ft.). The lake is surrounded by fir trees, but you can also see the road at the far end. Except for the occasional car noise, it’s very peaceful and quiet on the rocky beach. This would be the perfect place to relax with kids, read a book, or just get away from it all. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead. (44.4216140°, -110.5774320°)
Round Trip Trail Length: 1.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 219ft. (7,793ft. to 7,897ft.)
Facilities: Vault toilets on the other end of the parking area (closer to the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trailhead)
Fees: $35/vehicle, valid 7 days. America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Public Lands Passes and Yellowstone Annual Passes are accepted.
Trail Notes: The parking area is the same as for the Yellowstone Lake Overlook and West Thumb Geyser Basin, both of which are worthwhile hikes (I daresay better than Duck Lake), so it’s easy to spend a couple of hours without having to drive anywhere but still see three completely different views. As you’re walking toward the trailhead, you will pass a geothermal feature among some trees in the “middle” of the parking lot – I poked my camera through the branches and found a neat little mudpot. The trail itself is shady and cool if a bit steep in places. Please do not make cairns or rock towers out of the pebbles on the beach.
Trail 
Road
Signs
Scenery
Would I go 100 miles out of my way for this?
Overall Rating:
GPS Coordinates for Duck Lake
TH: 44.4164180°, -110.5751150° (44°24.98508′, -110°34.50690′ / 44°24’59.1048″, -110°34’30.4140″) (7,796ft.) (0.0)
Duck Lake: 44.4216140°, -110.5774320° (44°25.29684′, -110°34.64592′ / 44°25’17.8104″, -110°34’38.7552″) (7,797ft.) (0.50)
End at TH: 44.4163220°, -110.5750540° (44°24.97932′, -110°34.50324′ / 44°24’58.7592″, -110°34’30.1944″) (7,795ft.) (1.00)
The gpx file for Duck Lake can be downloaded – please note that this and the GPS Coordinates are for reference only and should not be used as a sole resource when hiking this trail.
Download GPX File size: 17.1 KB Downloaded 2 times
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Getting to the Duck Lake Trailhead (West Thumb Geyser Basin TH)
From the south entrance station, drive north on the main park road. After 21.2 miles, turn right following signs for Lake Village, Canyon Village, and Cody, WY (this junction is 1.7 miles north of the Grant Village Road). Only 0.2 miles later, turn right into the parking area for the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
From Canyon Junction, drive south (toward Fishing Bridge). After 15.4 miles, continue straight when the road to Fishing Bridge turns left. Drive another 20.4 miles, enjoying views over Yellowstone Lake. Turn left into the parking area for West Thumb Geyser Basin.
From the Old Faithful area, drive south on US-191 (follow the signs for West Thumb if you’re driving out of Old Faithful). After 17.6 miles, turn left. Only 0.1 miles later, turn right into the parking area for West Thumb Geyser Basin.
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A Hiking Guide to Yellowstone with Kids!
Hiking Yellowstone with kids? Check out this book from seasoned parents who understand what it is for the littles to want to run (in a geyser basin, no less!) Buy your copy here.
