When you say Grand Canyon, everyone immediately thinks of the famous one in Arizona. The immense chasm carved out over the millennia by the tenacious course of the Colorado River belongs to one of the oldest and most famous national parks in the American West. But not everyone knows that there is also another Grand Canyon, perhaps not as famous but absolutely worth a visit: the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. In addition to its much smaller size, the main difference with the canyon in Arizona is that here the landscape is enriched by two rushing waterfalls (Upper and Lower Falls) and the nuanced colors of the two walls of volcanic rock.
As the name clearly says, to see this Grand Canyon you will have to visit Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, which in itself is full of natural attractions to visit, such as the famous geysers of Yellowstone or the Grand Prismatic Spring: in this article, I want to show you a panoramic tour of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, of course following the advice of the park rangers, so that your visit is as thorough as possible, and that in the time available you can enjoy the natural spectacle of this geological miracle. Let’s find out how to see Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, its best hikes and views.
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Geological history of the Grand Canyon of Wyoming
Before we see all the things to do in Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, a few brief notes of geological interest. The genesis of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone dates back 640,000 years, when a violent volcanic eruption emptied a huge magma chamber in a short time, spreading volcanic ash over a radius of thousands of miles. The roof of the chamber subsequently collapsed, giving rise to a caldera that began to fill with lava and sediment. This is what we would call the formation of a proto-canyon. In addition to the volcanic activity on the rhyolite rocks, there was also the erosive action of the Yellowstone River that, over time, contributed to carving out the canyon and giving it shape.
The various shades of color that can be seen on the rock of the canyon are due to the continuous processes of hydrothermal alteration that the rhyolite is subjected to. The colors range from brown to purple, from yellow to green, from dark orange to red. This process, along with weathering, is still occurring and continues to shape and paint Wyoming’s Grand Canyon.
Where is and how to get to Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
As widely anticipated, the Grand Canyon is located near Canyon Village, in a very specific section within Yellowstone Park. You’ll need a car to get from one part of the park to the other, and don’t forget that you’ll need at least 3 days to visit the entire park, at least half of which must be dedicated to the Grand Canyon.
- To reach it from the south or south-east, just leave Lake Yellowstone behind you and drive along the Grand Loop Road, which follows the Yellowstone River amidst the picturesque setting of Hayden Valley where you can see many animals that inhabit the area.
- If you are coming from West Yellowstone, you can cut through the park on US-89 S and US-191, which will get you to Canyon Village in an hour, traffic permitting.
- If you entered from the North Entrance instead, join US-191 by driving along the stretch of US-89 that separates you from the intersection.
To check on seasonal road closures, read here.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Map
Like any good canyon, this one can be visited on both sides, the North Rim and the South Rim, each of which clearly has its own particular vantage points over the canyon with its own parking lots and trails. Unlike the Grand Canyon of Arizona, it is possible to visit both sides in one day, as there is only one mile separating the two scenic roads (North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive).
How to see Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Yellowstone Grand Canyon: Map of the best views and hikes
Our tour begins with the South Rim. From Grand Loop Road, divert onto South Rim Drive, leaving behind Chittenden Bridge, the bridge over the Yellowstone River.
Things to do and hikes in South Rim
Leave your car at the first parking lot on the right, at the Wapiti Lake Trailhead. This is the starting point for the South Rim Trail, the trail that runs along the southern ridge through the woods from Chittenden Bridge to Artist Point (about 1.8 miles). You can take a hike all the way up to enjoy the various viewpoints over the canyon.
- Let’s start at Uncle’s Tom Trail: you’ll find the trailhead on the trail if you walk the South Rim Trail, but you can also leave your car at the first parking lot that you find on your left on South Rim Drive. From here, a scenic trail begins that descends into the heart of the canyon, offering breathtaking views of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone. Don’t worry, there are steel steps that will make the descent easier.
- Returning to the surface, we will also find the Upper Falls Viewpoint in the vicinity of the parking lot, that offers a convenient view of the Upper Falls and – in the distance – the old Canyon Bridge, now part of the North Rim Trail. It is also pedestrian-friendly.
- Also starting from Uncle’s Tom Trail is the Clear Lake Trail, which leads to a nearby lake located in the hydrothermal area. The trail is 2.5 miles long but we find it less interesting.;
- At the end of the South Rim Trail is Artist Point, one of the best vantage points for photographing the forested, jagged walls of the Grand Canyon, the Lower Falls, and the rushing river. There are two platforms from which to view the panorama, one is elevated but not accessible to wheelchair users. Artist Point is also served by a parking lot close to the observation point, for those who do not want to walk the path.
Things to do and hikes in North Rim
Before heading to the North Rim Drive (where the most noteworthy viewpoints are located) we reach the Brink of Upper Falls. This detour is announced by a sign on Grand Loop Drive. The Brink of Upper Falls is a very special viewpoint over the Upper Falls, as, after a short walk, you will practically find yourself on top of the waterfall’s drop (100 feet). This viewpoint can also be reached on foot, starting from Chittenden Bridge along the North Rim Trail, a trail that touches various points on the ridge. This first section also passes over the scenic Canyon Bridge, that we mentioned above.
The North Rim Drive
The North Rim Drive proper begins one mile after Chittenden Bridge, just after the fork to the Brink of the Upper Falls. Here are the points that our tour on the north side of the canyon includes:
- The first stop is unforgettable. Thanks to the Brink of Lower Falls Trail we will be able to descend from the parking lot 600 feet into the heart of the canyon and practically reach the Lower Falls: from here you can get a real idea of the impressive flow of this waterfall whose drop is 300 feet (656 feet higher than the Upper Falls!). You’ll find the parking lot immediately after turning off the main road onto North Rim Drive.
- The next parking lot you will come across is the one for the Lookout Point Trail, an easy trail that will take you to an observation point over the Lower Falls, in the colorful setting of the canyon. Red Rock Point is reached thanks to a further descent down wooden steps 450 feet into the canyon. At the bottom is a platform that will allow you to see the falls in front of you, in all their glory, with the roar of the water filling your ears.
- The same parking lot is also the starting point for another short piece of the North Rim Trail that leads to Grand View. To take this part of the trail, you’ll need to go to the end of the parking lot and walk for a few minutes along the ridge. The viewpoint offers a very fascinating perspective from where you can see the river meandering through the red canyon walls. However, if you didn’t stop at Lookout Point or you’re not on the North Rim Trail, you can still leave your car in the parking lot next to Grand View.
- Take the car back and continue on the North Rim Drive towards Canyon Village. At a curve in the road you will see a sign that reads Inspiration Point. Here, you will enjoy an elevated view of the canyon, perhaps less impressive than the previous ones, but definitely a panoramic one. The short stretch of road you’ll have to cover winds through the woods and preserves a bizarre geological treasure: Glacial Boulder, a huge boulder detached from the Beartooth Plateau. You’ll see it on the side of the road.
Organized tour of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
If you don’t have the time or inclination to plan an itinerary to discover the best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, you can take advantage of this organized tour departing from Canyon Village. It is a lengthy guided excursion that takes you through the forest to Ribbon Lake, then to a geyser basin, and further to Clear Lake and Wapiti Meadows, offering beautiful views of Hayden Valley. Throughout the journey, you may observe local wildlife (such as elk and bears) in their natural habitat. Lunch and snacks are included, but it’s advisable to bring plenty of water.
Lodging near Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Overnight plans in Yellowstone should be carefully thought out, as the areas of natural interest are quite far apart from each other. For this reason, we have published an article that contains some specific tips on where to stay in Yellowstone, including those aimed at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. If you want to sleep near the falls, you might like to book a room at Canyon Lodge.
