Brink Of The Upper Falls

Q: Is it worth the 0.4-mile roundtrip hike to the main overlook?

Yes. The paved route provides dramatic perspectives of the 109-foot Upper Falls and the colorful canyon walls; the payoff is the scale and the light.

Q: Is the overlook accessible for someone with limited mobility?

The main path is paved and accessible, but the lower viewing area requires stairs; the full experience is not fully wheelchair accessible.

Q: Can I expect crowds to clear away in the shoulder season?

Shoulder seasons are quieter, but peak season still brings more visitors; plan for some crowds in May and September as roads and facilities remain busy.

Q: Is there bear or wildlife risk near the viewpoints?

Yes—bear safety rules apply in Yellowstone. Make noise, store food properly, and keep a safe distance from wildlife; stay on designated paths.

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Overview

About This Attraction

Thunderous spray erupts from the 109-foot Upper Falls, sending mist into a narrow gorge. From the primary overlook, the Yellowstone River reveals the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and iron-toned rhyolite walls catching the light. This is erosion at work—water wearing rock, while tectonic uplift and caldera history set the stage.

Best Time to Visit

Late May through mid-October; golden-hour light and mist create rainbows.

Visitor Tips

Look for rainbows in the morning or late afternoon when mist meets sun
Parking fills by mid-morning in peak season; arrive early or plan for late-day visits
Main path is paved; stairs to the lower overlook mean it is not fully wheelchair accessible
Stay on designated paths; wet rocks are slick and gravity can drop you from the edge
Bear spray is advisable in Yellowstone; carry during spring/summer

Details

Location & Features

GPS: 44°42′46″N 110°29′59″W

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Lower Falls, Grand View Point, Artist Point, Lookout Point, Canyon Village

Insider Tips

Step a few meters down from the main overlook for Old Chittenden Bridge views
Visit during spring or early summer for the most dramatic water flow
Early morning or late afternoon minimizes crowds and maximizes rainbow chances

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Paved main pathway; stairs to lower overlook; not fully wheelchair accessible.

Family Friendly:

Exposed edges; hold hands; stay on paved paths and supervised areas

Nearby Facilities:

Canyon Village lodging, dining, visitor center; restrooms and water in developed zones

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 855 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

What an amazing place. The falls in Yellowstone are endless. I had an opportunity this past July 4th weekend and what great time to be there. I would highly recommend stopping to see the falls. You can also take a trail to the upper falls. I went a step further and walked the South Rim Trail to explore from the other side.

Must visit spot to observe the falls. The crystal clear water is mesmerizing along with the scenic view of the valley. Must visit!

Another must stop along your drive in Yellowstone. Great view of the canyon, but also an extremely up close view of the water. The sheer amount of water flowing over the waterfall. Pictures and videos are nothing compared to being there in person.

Showing 3 of 855 reviews

FAQs

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking at Brink of the Upper Falls often fills by mid-morning in peak season; arriving early or later in the day improves chances of finding a space.

Is it worth the 0.4-mile roundtrip hike to the main overlook?

Is the overlook accessible for someone with limited mobility?

Can I expect crowds to clear away in the shoulder season?

Is there bear or wildlife risk near the viewpoints?

📖 wikipedia.org 📖 turpinmeadowranch.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 justinfague.com 📖 wanderlog.com 📖 proartinc.net 📖 hikespeak.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 destinationwest.org 📖 yellowstoneparknet.com 📖 waterfallz.com 📖 yellowstoneexplored.com ⭐ Google Reviews 🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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