DeLacy Creek Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
This is active grizzly and black bear country. Carry bear spray, make noise in the forested sections, and be especially alert near the creek crossings and lakeshore where bears forage.
Shoshone Lake's shore marks the edge of serious backcountry — the trail continues well beyond, but there are no services, no cell signal, and conditions change fast. Treat the lakeshore as your turnaround unless you're prepared and permitted for overnight travel.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start by mid-morning — the trailhead parking area on the south side of Grand Loop Road near Craig Pass is small and unmarked enough that most tourists blow right past it, but it still fills on peak July weekends.
The trail can be muddy and mosquito-heavy through late June. Pack bug spray with real DEET and consider lightweight gaiters if you're hiking before the Fourth of July.
Bring a compact pair of binoculars. The meadows along DeLacy Creek are prime sandhill crane territory, and once you hit the lakeshore, scan for white pelicans, osprey, and the occasional trumpeter swan — sightings you won't get from the roadside pullouts.
Photos
NPS / Addy Falgoust
