Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: What You Need to Know + Tips & FAQs

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Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone one of the top things you want to see in Yellowstone National Park?

When I hear from those heading to Yellowstone National Park and they’re not sure about what to do, I always mention that they should check out the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. While not as famous as its cousin in Arizona, it is incredibly impressive and my favorite part of visiting the park.

Getting around can take a little bit of navigation, and with so many different stops, you might be wondering which ones are worth your time. Plus, you’ll have to factor in if you are planning on doing any hikes from either rim, as well.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about visiting this incredible area of Yellowstone, as well as the can’t-miss stops and tips to help you feel confident about exploring the canyon. Trust me–it’s one stop you are going to want to make sure you make!

In summary: This guide will cover what you need to know about your visit to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, including how to get around and where to stop. I’ll also include some tips and FAQs!

Quick tip: Love waterfalls? Don’t forget to check out the lovely Crystal Falls right nearby the canyon!

How to navigate the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Since there are two rims to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, it can be bit confusing knowing where to go for certain viewpoints and hikes. You can enter both from Grand Loop Road–the main road through the park. While there are a bunch of signs that will direct you to where you need to go, it can still be a little overwhelming.

Another thing that you are going to want to know is that the North Rim drive is a one-way road. Once you turn in, you won’t be able to turn around. If you miss anything, you will have to walk back. Parking can also be limited, so don’t be surprised if you have to drive a little farther, park, and backtrack to an overlook.

The South Rim is much more straightforward. You’ll find two main parking lots here, and you can access the overlooks and hikes from these.

North Rim

The North Rim offers some of the most dramatic views of the Lower Falls and provides easier access to viewpoints than the South Rim.

North Rim stops

Start at Lookout Point and work your way to Inspiration Point. Plan for about two or three hours to see all stops, including short hikes to viewpoints.

Brink of the Lower Falls

This steep but paved trail takes you right to the edge of the Lower Falls–it’s intense but worth it! The 600-foot descent gives you an incredible perspective of the 308-foot waterfall. When Daniel and I hiked this, the spray from the falls kept us cool for a bit, but those 300+ stairs back up definitely got our hearts pumping.

Lookout Point

One of my favorite viewpoints in all of Yellowstone! You get an incredible head-on view of the Lower Falls, and the morning light here is absolutely spectacular. The viewpoint is just a short walk from the parking area, making it easily accessible for most visitors.

Red Rock Point

A steep but well-maintained trail leads down to this lower viewpoint beneath Lookout Point. The distinctive red rock that gives this spot its name creates a beautiful contrast with the yellow canyon walls. The closer view of the falls is stunning, though prepare for some spray! Be careful on this trail since it can be a little slick, as well.

Grand View

True to its name, Grand View offers sweeping vistas of the canyon. I love how you can see the Yellowstone River winding through the colorful canyon walls. This is also where you’ll really notice those distinctive yellow rocks that give the park its name–plus, it’s not nearly as busy as some of the viewpoints on the South Rim, which is nice after visiting a very popular park.

Inspiration Point

Recently renovated, this viewpoint offers spectacular views downstream into the canyon. While you can’t see the falls from here, the layers of colorful rock and the deep canyon make for incredible photos, especially during golden hour.

Hiking trails on the North Rim

Here are some of the hikes you can find on the North Rim if you want to spend your time on the trail. If you only have one day in Yellowstone, then you might want to skip these for another trip so you have enough time to see the other things to do in the park.

Hike name	Distance	Difficulty
North Rim Trail	3.8 miles (one way)	Moderate
Seven Mile Hole Trail and Cascade Overlook	10 miles	Hard

South Rim

The South Rim provides different perspectives of both falls and generally sees fewer crowds than the North Rim–except for Artist Point, which is always packed.

South Rim stops

Allow two or three hours to explore all viewpoints, longer if you plan to hike any trails. If you can, I recommend visiting during Golden Hour for the best pictures!

Brink of the Upper Falls

A short but steep trail takes you right to the edge of the Upper Falls. While not as tall as the Lower Falls, the 109-foot drop is still impressive. The viewing platform lets you safely peer over the edge–it’s amazing to watch the river transform into a powerful waterfall and I highly recommend you check it out if you have the time.

Canyon Overlook

This easily accessible viewpoint offers your first glimpse of the canyon from the South Rim. It’s a great spot to orient yourself and get a preview of what’s to come. The morning light makes the canyon walls glow.

Sunset Point

Just a short walk from Artist Point, this less-visited overlook provides unique views of the canyon. As the name suggests, it’s particularly beautiful at sunset when the canyon walls light up with golden light. You can see the platform for the Brink of the Upper Falls from here!

Artist Point

The most photographed view in Yellowstone for good reason! This iconic viewpoint offers the perfect composition of the Lower Falls framed by the colorful canyon walls. Daniel and I love coming here for sunrise when the first light hits the falls. Just be warned that it is always packed. If you are a photographer, those early mornings can help you get that shot without having to jostle other people for it.

Hiking trails on the South Rim

Here are some hiking trails you can find on the South Rim. Just like the North Rim, if you plan on doing these, make sure to factor in that extra time it will take to hike.

Hike name	Distance	Difficulty
South Rim Trail	1.8 miles (one way)	Moderate
Uncle Tom’s trail (closed indefinitely)	.6 miles	Hard
Artist Point to Point Sublime	2.5 miles	Moderate
Clear Lake–Ribbon Lake Loop	3.9 miles	Moderate

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Tips for visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Here are some tips I’ve personally found helpful when visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area of the park.

• Wear good shoes: Even if you are only planning on checking out the viewpoints, making sure you have sturdy shoes are a must. Trails can be slippery due to the spray of the falls, and they are often steep to get down to the platforms.
• Visit in the morning if you can: Mornings are the best time to visit for a bunch of reasons. Not only is the lighting better for photography, but you’ll have fewer crowds, as well. It can also get hot in the canyon during the summer and the afternoon.
• You don’t need to visit all the stops: To be honest, a lot of the stops on the North Rim look pretty similar to one another. I would recommend choosing two or three that look good to you so you have more time to explore other areas of the park.
• Drive instead of hike: This is one of the few times I recommend driving over hiking! You get the same views taking your car, and you’ll use most of your day if you plan on hitting the trail. If you have the time, go ahead and hike! But driving is the best way to see the most of the canyon.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone FAQs

Here are some common FAQs I get from readers and clients looking to visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Conclusion

I hope this has helped you plan your time exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This is truly one of those can’t-miss attractions in the park, and every time I take friends and family here, they are blown away by its beauty. Take your time and enjoy this lovely area of the park and make sure to bring your camera so you can capture it!

Have any questions about visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone? Let me know in the comments!