Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Yellowstone Falls

This year I had the pleasure of being in Yellowstone National Park for the first snowstorm of the year. When the sudden Summer snow closed many of the roads, I was lucky enough to enjoy a few of the incredible Yellowstone Falls viewpoints without the typical tourist crowds. So join me this week as we explore some of the best trails & overlooks at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Yellowstone Falls…and watch my behind the blog video at the bottom of this post to see just how quickly the weather changed in a matter of hours here!

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from Artist Point

As the Yellowstone river flows from Hayden Valley, it plunges down 109 feet at Upper Yellowstone Falls, and then a quarter mile downstream, Lower Yellowstone Falls crashes down 308 feet. Here it then enters the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is nearly 25 miles long, up to 4,000 feet wide & 1,200 feet deep.

Wooden stairs leading down to Red Rock Point

Lower Yellowstone Falls from Red Rock Point

Red Rock Trail to Red Rock Point

Red Rock Point is one of my personal favorite Yellowstone Falls viewpoints because it’s often less crowded than many of the other popular overlooks. Red Rock Trail is a short but steep hike which descends nearly 500 feet in less than a 1/2 mile hike. This trail starts down a gravel path which soon crumbles away into dirt & rocks before meeting up with a beautiful boardwalk. From there nearly 100 stair steps reach the incredible viewing platform (similar to Uncle Tom’s Trail staircase, which is currently closed for restoration). The NPS does not recommend this hike to anyone with heart/lung or other health conditions. It’s important to check the NPS website for the most up-to-date information, including trail safety and current weather, as this trail can become unsafe after major storms.

Artist Point

Arguably one of the most spectacular straight on viewpoints of the Grand Canyon & Lower Yellowstone Falls, Artist Point is understandably popular with both tourists & photographers. Often dubbed the most photographed views in Yellowstone, the scenery here is almost unbelievable…I’ve found myself more than once blinking my eyes, wondering if this is real or if I stepped into some sort of magical painting. The paved path leading to Artist Point is less than a tenth of a mile from the parking area. However, beyond the paved trail you can continue hiking along the south rim of the canyon to places like Point Sublime (a 3 mile round trip hike).

Brink of the Upper Falls

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River begins at Upper Falls, and from the Brink of the Upper Falls viewpoints, you can peer right over the edge of this crashing waterfall. The mostly paved trail is less than 1/2 a mile round trip and leads to multiple overlooks separated by just a few stairs. There’s also an often overlooked side path here leading downstream to views of Crystal Falls (this often overlooked 129 ft waterfall is found between the upper and lower falls along Cascade Creek).

Upper Yellowstone Falls from Uncle Tom’s Point

Upper Falls View at Uncle Tom’s Point

While Uncle Tom’s Trail is undergoing major renovations and closed all of 2021, Uncle Tom’s Point is a separate area. Both the Canyon Overlook & Discovery Trail lead to great waterfall views in under 1/2 a mile round trip (and they are also wheelchair accessible). More intense hiking options here include connecting the south rim trail to Chittenden Bridge. And through the tree line along the path here, you can also see Crystal Falls across the canyon!

Brink of the Lower Falls Trail

This 0.7 mile popular out and back trail is short, but definitely not gentle with over 10 switchbacks and 250 feet in elevation gain in under 1/3 of a mile. This trail is closed in Winter, and on my most recent visit this path had already closed due to slick conditions…but you can still view Lower Falls from a short spur at the trail’s beginning. When weather permits, you can combine Brink of Lower Falls with North Rim Trail for a 2.3 mile hike.

Inspiration Point

The last stop on the North Rim Drive leads to Inspiration Point. While you have minimal views of the falls here, Inspiration Point is sure to leave you feeling inspired. After undergoing a major rehabilitation project a few years ago, the overlooks provide panoramic unobstructed views, both upstream and downstream, showing off the vastness of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in a truly unique (and inspiring) way!

Yellowstone River at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Know Before You Go

• Before your visit, I encourage you to learn about and take the Yellowstone Pledge.

• Always check the NPS website for the most accurate and up-to-date park information, including weather/closures and park details.

• It’s incredibly important to stay on the official trail & boardwalk, not only for your personal safety, but also to protect these fragile formations. Never touch or attempt to enter any hydrothermal areas.

• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit. It is illegal to collect, remove, deface or destroy any natural objects (plant, animal or mineral) inside Yellowstone National Park.

• Explore the official park Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone map here.

Top 10 Yellowstone Attractions

Grand Prismatic
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Lamar Valley
Fountain Paint Pot Trail
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Hayden Valley
Firehole Lake Drive
Mammoth Hot Springs
Gibbon Falls

Lower Yellowstone Falls from Artist Point

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me this week in Yellowstone National Park at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Falls. For a virtual visit (and to see how suddenly the weather changes here) watch my Behind the Blog YouTube video below. Until next week I hope you find a time for and encouragement wherever you go.

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