Heart Lake, Yellowstone National Park, WY

Heart Lake is one of the natural features of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It is part of Heart Lake Geyser Basin. The basin begins just a few miles from the lake descending along Witch Creek lakeshore. There are five hydrothermal groupings within this area. The Washburn Expedition of 1870 is most important for finding many of the features of the park including this area. It is recorded that NP Langford's horse broke through the crust of the earth becoming scalded by the heat of the volcanic activity.

Heart Lake is not accessible by road. Visitors have to drive to a parking area and then take a trail to the lake. The lake is halfway between the southern border of the park and Yellowstone Lake. It is most accessible from that southern entrance at Jackson; however, visitors can use any entrance to make their way to the southern area of the park for the trailhead. The trailhead is on the road from Grant Village.

For visitors who wish to see Heart Lake, the trail is 7.5 miles in length. When taking the trail it is important to realize visitors will be camping along the trail overnight. Tourists who want this experience should go with a 50 pound pack that includes sleeping bag, food, and tent. There is a lovely spot for a picnic along the trail. Visitors who do hike the trail with food should take precautions against wildlife by packing their food in airtight containers.

Tourists on the trail will go through certain areas where the 1988 fire burned. It is an excellent trail to see how ecosystems can recover from such things. The trail can be a bit dry and dusty at times as new growth works to cover the area. At least three to four liters of water should be brought along.

The most dangerous wildlife on the trail will be grizzly bears. It is a wonderful experience to see the bears in their natural habitat, but again caution is wise. Do not keep food in the tent overnight. Instead place it in a tree away from the tent. Before coming to the park visitors should read up on bear information to be prepared. Bears can be peaceful and not be concerned about others in their territory as long as acceptable behavior is followed.

Heart Lake is a fishing lake. A permit is required by a ranger at any of the ranger stations. For those who have a permit it is possible to catch dinner. Campsites along the trail are available with reservations. Registration with a ranger station is essential, but also free. The park rules apply for leaving the campsite as it was found and leaving only footprints and taking pictures. There will be geothermal activity at some of the features along the trail. Do not step off the trail going to Heart Lake, as the area around it can be unsafe. The earth's crust in spots is not very thick as the first expedition found.