Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Canyon · West Yellowstone, Montana
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Canyon with yellow and orange walls carved by the Yellowstone River, featuring Upper and Lower Falls and viewpoints such as Artist Point.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a roughly 30 km-long canyon carved by the Yellowstone River in volcanic rock altered by heat, which gives the walls yellow, orange and pink hues. It is in the Canyon area in the park’s central-eastern region.
The river forms two waterfalls: Upper Falls, about 33 meters, and Lower Falls, about 94 meters, the park’s highest. Roads along both rims lead to viewpoints. On the south rim, Artist Point frames the Lower Falls at the canyon’s base; on the north rim, Lookout Point and the Brink of the Lower Falls trail reach the top of the falls.
The Uncle Tom’s Trail, with hundreds of metal steps, descends toward the base of the Lower Falls, and the trail that follows the south rim connects several viewpoints.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to four hours.
Best time
May to October, when roads are open. In the morning the sun often lights the walls seen from Artist Point, and sometimes a rainbow forms in the mist of the Lower Falls.
How to get there
By car on the park road to the Canyon Village area; viewpoints are a few kilometers from there. From West Yellowstone, about 65 km.
Tip
The most popular viewpoints get crowded at midday; start on the north rim in the morning and save Artist Point for early or late in the day.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
What is the best-known viewpoint of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
Artist Point, on the south rim, with the Lower Falls in the background of the canyon.
How tall is the Lower Falls?
About 94 meters; it is Yellowstone's tallest waterfall.
Can you go down to the base of the waterfall?
The Uncle Tom's Trail descends toward the base of the Lower Falls via metal steps; check whether it is open on the park’s website.