Wyoming is a dream destination among worldwide travelers, as the US state is packed with majestic mountains, stunning wildlife reserves, incredible national forests and lots of artistic national museums, libraries, parks, gardens and many other mind-blowing attractions. The state also offers amazing historic trails which is much popular among visitors.
Another natural wonder, this beautiful state offers is numerous gorgeous lakes with clear water, amazing recreational opportunities and magnificent scenery surrounding these waterbodies. There are about 4,000 natural lakes in Wyoming that are spread across the state, and many of these lakes offer great opportunities for enjoying all types of water activities including swimming, fishing, water-skiing and many more. Furthermore, some of these Wyoming lakes are best known for offering best fishing spots in the whole state. Camping is another great thing while visiting and enjoying these lakes and reservoirs.
So, read on and explore some of the best lakes in Wyoming that suit perfectly with your weekend getaway. These lakes are natural treasures and no one should miss these gems when they are in Wyoming.
1. Yellowstone Lake
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake in the state encompassing 84, 500 acres of area. Nestled inside Yellowstone National Park in the US, this natural lake offers 141 miles of shoreline to its visitors.
Sitting within the Absaroka Mountains and home to numerous wildlife, Yellowstone Lake offers great opportunity for wildlife viewing that include bald eagles and cutthroat. Moreover, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding all are permitted in Yellowstone Lake.
Despite being one of the major lakes in Wyoming, swimming is not allowed in this reservoir due to its excessive chilly water temperature in every season. Average temperature, the lake holds is of 41 degree Fahrenheit. But the charm of this natural wonder can’t be denied only because of this one reason.
West Thumb Geyser Basin is a great place where visitors can spend hours by watching its picturesque scenery along with the large shoreline. Must explore Fishing Cone Geyser if you love fishing.
The park is well-known for having above 10,000 hydrothermal features. Along the area, there are interpretive sign posts for informing the geology of the area, and the walkway is about 0.6-mile loop with limited mobility.
So, Yellowstone Lake is a must-to-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife explorers.
2. Leigh Lake
One of the prettiest lakes in Wyoming, Leigh Lake is a glacial forming reservoir that is located in Grand Teton National Park. With the surface area of 725 hectare, the lake sits at an elevation of 2,096 metres.
The lake can be accessed only by hiking the Leigh Lake Trail from the North Jenny Lake Junction. Though the lake is not too big, other natural wonders that surround the terrain won’t make you disheartened!
Engaging activities include kayaking, rowing and canoeing. Though motorised-boats are not permitted on the Leigh Lake.
Visitors who want to nightstay, there are several campsites available for them.
3. Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake is also located inside Grand Teton National Park. This naturally formed lake became larger after the construction on Jackson Lake Dam. With the total surface area of 25,540 acres, this reservoir is the fourth-largest lake in Wyoming.
Swimming is not permitted in Jackson Lake, but other fun-filled water-activities like fishing, skiing and sailing are always appreciated. Most of the visitors come here during summer months to enjoy a wider range of recreation activities. Jackson Lake is also some of the most popular lakes in Wyoming for boating purposes.
You can enjoy various scenic beauties along your trail that include lush plantation and majestic mountains. The lake is actually encircled by mountains that adds extra charm to the whole area. Plus, you can get a glimpse of popular wildlife here.
You can also enjoy ice-fishing that starts from January. Active anglers love to experience fishing in this reservoir as Jackson Lake is home to salmon, trout, pike, brook and some other fish species.
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4. Flaming Gorge Reservoir
This inter-state reservoir is stretched between Wyoming and Utah, holding the surface area of 91 miles. Flaming Gorge Reservoir is one of the best lakes in Wyoming for offering multi-day kayak campsite trips to families and many other groups. Also, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is one of the most popular lakes in Wyoming among both locals and tourists alike.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is situated in Sweetwater County and is sitting at an elevation of 1,841 metres above sea level.
You can avail all types of water activities in this beautiful natural stunner. From paddleboards to houseboats, all you can rent here. Exploring the deep blue water with a boat is a must-doing activity. Other water activities are windsurfing and water skiing.
Fishing is quite popular in Flaming Gorge Reservoir as the reservoir is home to trout, rainbow trout, salmon and smallmouth bass.
For enjoying other laid-back activities, head to Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area. This place offers great opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and camping.
If you visit in winter, must go for ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-county skiing.
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5. Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake is one of the best attractions in Wyoming. This reservoir is also a part of Grand Teton National Park. The boasting magnificent scenery is the main charm of this alluring crystal-clear Jenny Lake.
Each Wyoming visitor must take a look at this majestic lake at least once. Though the glory of the land attracts visitors to come to this place again and again.
As the effect of glaciers pushing the debris that resulted in Cascade Canyon, Jenny Lake is also the result of this effect about 12,000 years ago. And Jenny Lake is one of the state’s biggest lakes with 1,191 acres of surface area and is located at 6, 783 feet above sea level.
The lake is surrounded by numerous hiking trails, the most popular is Jenny Lake Trail. This natural attraction also offers a variety of activities, and swimming is the most desired and engaging activity among visitors. The best thing is Jenny Lake is among the few lakes in Wyoming that offer safe swimming.
Cliff-jumping is also available here. Visitors can also rent kayaks. There are several scenic areas and picnic spots that you can enjoy full-heartedly within the tranquil ambience. So, make sure to have this worthwhile attraction your next destination with your close ones.
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6. Lake Alice
Lake Alice is sitting at an elevation of 7,745 feet and it’s located inside Bridger Teton National Forest. This lake is a popular picnic spot among locals. If you want to spend some peaceful moment only with your dear ones and far away from crowd and busy stressful life, Alice Lake is the perfect pick!
This natural reservoir was created thousands of years ago due to the land-sliding from Lake Mountain. You can’t get to the lake by any vehicle, the only way to reach there is on foot. Now, horses and mountain bikes are other two options to reach Lake Alice.
The spectacular views of the surrounding area make this place a peaceful dreamland among solitude lovers. Alice Lake is less crowded and a lesser-known spot among many travelers. But this hidden gem is capable of providing all types of enjoyment that a wanderer seeks for.
Swimming, kayaking, boating, hiking and biking trails, camping, all are available in this nice spot. Visitors also enjoy exploring the nearby area riding upon horseback. For anglers, Lake Alice reservoir is a good spot, too.
Also Read: Best Swimming Lakes You Must Visit in Washington.
7. Glendo Reservoir
Located inside Glendo State Park, Glendo Reservoir is one of the prettiest and biggest lakes in the state. The reservoir is nestled on the North Platte River in Platte and Converse Counties and is encompassing 18,659 acres of area.
This lake is one of the best spots where opportunities are endless. You can just relax by sitting in the sandy beaches or taking a stroll under the pine-lined woodlands. If you want to have some thrilling adventure, then go for exploring biking trail which is a stretch of 45 miles long biking route along the shoreline.
Popular water activities in the Glendo Reservoir include swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking and other amazing fun-filles activities. There is a marine nearby. Visitors may also explore that spot. For anglers, there’s a good opportunity to go after bass, catfish, trout and other fish species. Many visitors go for fishing from boats. It’s truly a fun activity that you can go with.
If you are willing to feel the land at night or want to spend a few days here, must reserve a campsite.
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8. Taggart Lake
Taggart Lake is a treasure trove that’s spanning around 110 acres and offering visitors so many stunning recreational facilities. This is a great lake for hikers, from easy to difficult, all types of opportunities are there for visitors irrespective of the season.
This fantastic reservoir is also located inside the Grand Teton National Park at an elevation of 2,104 metres.
The trails are very scenic and the lake is encircled by mountains. Wildlife is very active here. For nature lovers and wildlife explorers, Taggart Lake is a dream destination. Fishing is also popular with opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.
The 4.8 km long Taggart Lake Trail is quite popular among visitors. It’s a great hiking trail, and you must explore this trail. The trail starts from Teton Park Road. Note, the trail is closed from November to May.
Picnicking and doing photography are great ways to enhance your trip and make it more memorable! If you visit Taggart Lake in winter, add on extra entertainment opportunities that are snowshoeing and cross-county skiing.
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9. Emma Matilda Lake
Emma Matilda Lake is also located inside Grand Teton National Park and the reservoir encompasses 960 acres. This lake is popular for its breathtaking natural surroundings, and the popular trail runs through peaceful and picturesque settings. For a great family outing, Emma Matilda Lake is some of the best Wyoming lakes you can choose.
Emma Matilda Lake is named after the wife’s, who was the first climber to the summit of Grant Teton. The whole terrain is beautifully embellished with mountain peaks and hills. Visiting this stunner is worth utilizing your precious time. To feel the panoramic views of the lake with more sober way, cover the 17.2 km long Emma Matilda Lake Trail.
Another popular spot to get stunning views of Emma Matilda Lake is Lookout Rock. It’s located at the southern end of the reservoir. The area is quite infamous for wild bears, so visitors are asked to carry bear spray along with them.
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10. Phelps Lake
The crystal-clear Phelps Lake is also located inside Grand Teton National Park. Phelps Lake is one of the biggest lakes in the southern part of the Grand Teton National Park. Visitors get stunned by the alluring and surrounded natural charm along with gorgeous mountains.
Popular trails are available that provide stunning views of the nearby area. One of the most popular trails include the Phelps Lake Overlook Trail.
Must enjoy a picnic on this picturesque land and enjoy the serenity on the banks with your family and friends. The most popular water activities in Phelps Lake include kayaking, boating and paddleboarding. Fishing is also very popular in this clearwater lake.
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FAQs
1. How many lakes are in Wyoming?
Wyoming is one of the best places for exploring umpteen water recreational opportunities. Wyoming is home to more than 4,000 lakes and reservoirs. For the presence of so many water bodies, Wyoming is also a state known for fishing opportunities.
2. What is the cleanest lake in Wyoming?
Jenny Lake, located in Grand Teton National Park, is the cleanest lake in Wyoming. The deep blue Jenny Lake is the most pristine alpine water in the world.
3. What is the biggest lake in Wyoming?
Nestled in Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming, United States, Yellowstone Lake is not only the biggest lake in Wyoming, but it is the largest in North America, and the second largest water body in the world. Yellowstone Lake lies at the elevation of 7,730 feet (2,356 metres) above the sea level.
4. What is the major lake in Wyoming?
Yellowstone Lake is the largest freshwater lake, not only in Wyoming but in North America also. The water body covers 136 sq. miles with more than 110 miles of shoreline. The deepest depth of Yellowstone Lake is 394 feet.
5. What is the deepest lake in Wyoming?
Fremont Lake is Wyoming’s one of the deepest lakes. Also, it is the second largest natural lake in the state.
6. What is the largest man made lake in Wyoming?
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in Wyoming. Interestingly, the dam that impounds the lake, is located in Utah, approximately 32 miles away from the reservoir.
7. Does Yellowstone Lake freeze?
If you visit in winter, means December, you can see the freezing Yellowstone Lake. The ice thickness of the lake varies and it can go from a few inches to a few feet.
8. Is Yellowstone Lake man made?
No, it’s not man-made, but a natural and freshwater lake is Yellowstone Lake. With the surface area of 136 sq. miles, the lake boasts 110 miles of shoreline.
