Edge of the Canyon: Standing Above Yellowstone’s Upper Falls
A close, practical look at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone’s dramatic upper cascade.
You reach the rim at first light and the canyon answers with a low, constant roar—the river talking through rock. Mist wreaths the drop where the Yellowstone River narrows, hauling water over a ledge that has been working at the mountain for millennia. Up here, at Yellowstone Upper Falls, the canyon is a stitched ribbon of ochre and gold; the water, white and relentless, dares you to hold still and simply watch. The view clamps onto you quietly at first, then insists on being remembered.
Trail Wisdom
Beat the light and the crowds
Arrive at sunrise or late afternoon for better light and fewer people at Artist Point and rim overlooks.
Layer for microclimates
Temperatures can vary 20°F between shaded forest and exposed rim—bring a wind shell and insulating layer.
Respect wildlife distance
Use binoculars and stay at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other large mammals; guides will enforce safe viewing.
Mind the boardwalks and rails
Rim viewpoints are often bordered by fragile hydrothermal ground—stay on trails and obey signage to protect safety and geological features.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Look for lesser-visited overlooks along the North Rim Trail for quiet views and sunrise compositions
- •Nearby Calcite Springs and smaller geothermal features on short boardwalks offer close-up geology without the crowds
Wildlife
Elk, Osprey and golden eagles
Conservation Note
Trail use and park visitation can erode fragile thermal-ground and riparian zones; stay on designated paths, pack out trash, and follow seasonal road and access advisories.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone was popularized by early park artists and landscape painters in the late 19th century who helped promote Yellowstone as a national treasure.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: water flow, wildflower displays, fewer crowded overlooks
Challenges: road openings vary, patchy snow on trails, cold mornings
Spring brings high river flows and vivid runoff but unpredictable access; check road openings and expect chilly starts.
summer
Best for: full access to trails and roads, warm temperatures, wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk
Challenges: peak crowds, limited parking at viewpoints, strong sun
Summer offers the fullest access to the park; arrive early to avoid crowds and mid-day heat.
fall
Best for: autumn color, lighter crowds, crisp, clear air for photos
Challenges: shorter daylight, earlier cold snaps, some services close seasonally
Fall smooths crowds and sharpens canyon colors—ideal for photographers who don’t mind cooler mornings.
winter
Best for: quiet solitude, snow-draped vistas, unique perspectives from snowshoe or snowcoach tours
Challenges: limited access, many roads closed, extreme cold
Winter transforms the canyon into a quiet, snow-sculpted scene; access is limited and requires planning or guided transport.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Good tread and ankle support help on packed dirt, slick boardwalks, and rocky viewpoints.
Wind shell or light insulated jacketEssential
Protects against sudden winds and canyon mist that cool the upper rim quickly.
Binoculars
Ideal for spotting distant wildlife in Hayden and Lamar valleys from rim overlooks.
Compact tripod
Allows longer exposures for silky-water photos or low-light canyon shots.
Common Questions
How tall is Yellowstone Upper Falls?
Upper Falls drops roughly 109 feet and sits upstream from the larger Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Where is the best place to view Upper Falls?
Artist Point and the North Rim and South Rim viewpoints offer dramatic perspectives; each provides a different angle on the canyon’s colors and the falls’ flow.
Do I need a permit to hike near Upper Falls?
No special permit is required for the main rim trails and overlooks, but backcountry travel beyond maintained trails may require registration and bear-aware planning.
Can I see wildlife from the canyon rim?
Yes—elk, mule deer, and raptors are commonly seen; bison and bears are possible in surrounding meadows and valleys, so keep distance and use optics.
Are trails accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
Some viewpoints have paved sections with railings, but many rim trails include stairs and uneven surfaces; check specific viewpoint accessibility before visiting.
What should I do in a bear encounter?
Make yourself large, speak calmly, back away slowly—do not run—and carry bear spray where recommended; follow National Park Service guidance.
What to Pack
Layered insulating jacket, sturdy trail shoes, 1–2 liters of water, bear spray (when recommended) - for comfort, traction, hydration, and wildlife safety.
Did You Know
Upper Falls plunges approximately 109 feet; the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone’s vivid hues result from hydrothermal alteration of volcanic rock, not paint or mineral deposits alone.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Buy or display your Yellowstone entrance pass in advance to avoid lineup; 2) Plan morning or late-afternoon canyon visits to avoid tour-bus crowds; 3) Bring cashless payment options—some park concessions have limited card service; 4) Check the NPS park road and weather updates the morning of your visit.
Local Flavor
Base your trip in West Yellowstone or Gardiner to sample local lodge dining, smoky bison burgers, and ranger-led evening talks; nearby small towns preserve old-West hospitality and craft shops selling regional maps and guides.
Logistics Snapshot
Nearest services: Canyon Village (inside park). Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (7-day, as of 2024). Roads: open seasonally—check NPS travel advisories. Cell service: limited; download maps and emergency numbers.
Sustainability Note
Stick to trails and boardwalks to protect fragile geothermal soils and riparian vegetation; support local guides who prioritize leave-no-trace practices and contribute to local conservation initiatives.