The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole park. The Yellowstone River carved this canyon over thousands of years. It runs about 20 miles long. It is more than 1,000 feet deep. In some spots it is nearly 4,000 feet wide. The canyon walls glow in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
This guide covers the best spots to see it, on both rims, so you know just where to stop.
What Is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
Hot water and gas weakened the rock over time, helping carve this dramatic canyon.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone got its bright colors from hot water and gas deep underground. Over time, this weakened the rock. The river cut through it, little by little, and formed the canyon you see today.
You can visit from two sides. One side is called the North Rim. The other is the South Rim. Both sides have easy stops with big views.
Yellowstone Falls: Two Waterfalls, One Canyon
Lower Falls drops 308 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in the park.
Yellowstone Falls is really two waterfalls, not one. Upper Falls drops 109 feet. Lower Falls drops even farther, at 308 feet. That makes Lower Falls the tallest waterfall in the whole park. It is more than twice as tall as Niagara Falls.
The canyon bends between the two falls. Because of this, you can never see both falls from the same spot. That is one more reason to visit stops on both rims.
North Rim Yellowstone Viewpoints
Stops along the North Rim offer sweeping views of the canyon and river below.
The North Rim Yellowstone drive is a one way road. It has several easy stops, each with its own view.
Brink of the Lower Falls takes you right to the top of Lower Falls. You can feel the power of the water here. Lookout Point gives you another great view of Lower Falls. A short trail from Lookout Point leads down to Red Rock Point for an even closer look. Next comes Grand View, which offers a wide look at the canyon and river. The drive ends at Inspiration Point, one of the first spots early explorers found back in 1870.
Here is a fun fact. The famous painter Thomas Moran sketched the canyon from this side, near Lookout Point, not from Artist Point like most people think.
South Rim Yellowstone and Artist Point Yellowstone
The South Rim Yellowstone drive is home to Artist Point Yellowstone, the most photographed view in the whole park. From here, you can watch Lower Falls thunder down between tall, colorful canyon walls.
Before you reach Artist Point, stop at the Upper Falls Viewpoint. It gives you a close look at the smaller but still powerful Upper Falls. If you want to walk a bit more, a trail past Artist Point leads to Point Sublime, a quieter spot with fewer crowds.
One quick note. Uncle Tom’s Trail used to take hikers down toward the base of Lower Falls. The park closed this trail for good in 2019 because it was not safe. It is still a cool piece of history, just not something you can hike today.
Wildlife to Watch For
From Artist Point Yellowstone, you can watch Lower Falls thunder into the canyon below.
Keep your eyes on the sky while you explore. Osprey build large nests right on the canyon walls. You might also spot bald eagles, ravens, and swallows flying above the river.
How Much Time to Plan
Give yourself at least 2 hours to see the main stops on both rims. If you want to add a hike, like the trail to Red Rock Point or Point Sublime, plan for 3 to 4 hours instead.
Most viewpoints sit close to the parking areas with short, paved paths. Several stops on the North Rim are also wheelchair friendly.
Getting There from Old Faithful RV Park
A day exploring the canyon pairs well with other nearby stops like Hayden Valley.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone sits north of the East Entrance. It makes a great stop on a full day trip through the park. Many guests pair it with Hayden Valley and Fishing Bridge along the way. Check out our Hayden Valley guide for more on that part of the drive.
For help planning your full route, see our Yellowstone Itinerary Guide. You can also learn more straight from the National Park Service.
Your Home Base for Exploring the Canyon
Old Faithful RV Park sits just 32 miles from Yellowstone’s East Gate. That makes us an easy home base for a big day at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and beyond.
👉 Book your stay at OldFaithfulRVPark.com
Frequently Asked Questions: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
How tall are the waterfalls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
Upper Falls drops 109 feet. Lower Falls drops 308 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in the park.
What is the best viewpoint at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
Artist Point Yellowstone on the South Rim is the most famous and most photographed spot. It gives you a full view of Lower Falls.
Is Uncle Tom’s Trail still open?
No. The park closed Uncle Tom’s Trail for good in 2019 due to safety concerns.
How long does it take to see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
Plan at least 2 hours for the main viewpoints on both rims. Add 1 to 2 more hours if you want to hike.
Can you see both waterfalls from the same spot?
No. The canyon bends between the two falls, so you can never see them both at once.
Rest. Explore. Repeat.