Natural Attraction

Brink Of The Upper Falls

Natural AttractionOPERATIONAL★ 4.9
Brink Of The Upper Falls at Yellowstone National Park overlooks the Yellowstone River with rapids, set among pine-clad canyon walls.

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.

Thundering 109-ft. waterfall upstream from the more famous Lower Falls, with trails to viewpoints.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
44°42′46″N 110°29′59″W
Accessibility
Paved main pathway; stairs to lower overlook; not fully wheelchair accessible.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Lower Falls, Grand View Point, Artist Point, Lookout Point, Canyon Village
Nearby Facilities
Canyon Village lodging, dining, visitor center; restrooms and water in developed zones
Best Time To Visit
Late May through mid-October; golden-hour light and mist create rainbows.
Tips Advice
  • 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
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

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park — Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone region
Family Friendly Notes
Exposed edges; hold hands; stay on paved paths and supervised areas
Attraction Type
Waterfall
Elevation Feet
7696
Distance From Entrance
Varies
Accessibility Level
Paved main path; stairs to lower viewing area; not fully wheelchair accessible.
How To Get There
From Canyon Village, follow the access roads toward the Brink of Upper Falls trailhead; park in the paved lot and use the paved path to the primary overlook.
Parking Availability
Paved lot; fills by morning in peak season; arrive early or late to avoid crowds.
Road Type
Paved
Seasonal Access
Late spring through fall; roads to the Grand Canyon area generally open from late spring through fall.
Entry Fees
Varies
Main Features
Upper Falls (109 ft); Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone overlooks; iron-stained rhyolite canyon walls.
What Youll See
A thunderous 109-foot waterfall and a canyon walls colored by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite; multiple overlooks including Grandview, Artist, and Lookout Points.
Unique Characteristics
Iron-rich rhyolite walls created by hydrothermal alteration; close-proximity views of a major Yellowstone waterfall within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Safety Considerations
Gravity governs the cliffs; keep back from edges. Wet rocks near the falls are slick. Off-path areas may have thermal crusts; stay on marked routes.
Best Viewpoints
Grandview Point, Artist Point, Lookout Point, Upper Falls Viewpoint
Photo Opportunities
Rainbow arcs in the mist at golden hour; dramatic canyon walls and river foregrounds from paved overlooks.
Photography Spots
Grandview, Lookout, Artist Points; main overlook and alternative angles along the paved path
Stargazing Quality
Good
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential; sunrise/sunset light enhances canyon color
Visitor Center Present
1
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Flush toilets
Picnic Areas
0
Interpretive Signs
1
Cell Service
Intermittent
Water Available
1
Guided Tours Available
0
Trailheads Here
Brink of Upper Falls Trail; connection to North Rim Trail; Lower Falls ~0.25 miles downstream
Connecting Trails
North Rim Trail, Brink of Upper Falls Trail
Nearby Services
Canyon Village lodging, dining, and a visitor center; restrooms and water in developed areas
Common Wildlife
Osprey and eagles can be seen hunting in the canyon
Best Wildlife Times
Spring through summer
Fall Colors Peak
Mid-September to early October
Geological Formation Type
Canyon
Scientific Interest
Hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite; visible post-caldera erosion by the Yellowstone River
Road Opening Dates
Roads to the Grand Canyon area open late spring through fall
Snow Lingering
Snow lingers into late spring; melt drives spring flows
Winter Access
Limited; typical winter closures
Best Visit Times
Spring or early summer for the most dramatic flow; avoid midday glare
Best Season
Late May through mid-October
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms common in mid-summer; plan for changing conditions
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills by mid-morning in peak season; overflow parking available
Busiest Season
Summer
Waterfall Height
}
Fishing Nearby
0
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0
Review Summary
Reviews consistently highlight the Upper Falls as a must-see for its scale and canyon color. Visitors praise the accessibility of the main overlook and the variety of viewpoints, with the best light at dawn and dusk. Crowds peak in summer, so early visits are rewarded with quieter vantage points.

Location

Brink of Upper Falls at Lookout Point in Yellowstone National Park presents a scenic overlook with the canyon and river in view.Brink of the Upper Falls overlook in Yellowstone National Park captures a powerful canyon waterfall rushing between rocky cliffs.Brink Of The Upper Falls at Yellowstone National Park shows roaring water plunging from a mossy rocky gorge.Brink Of The Upper Falls at Yellowstone National Park overlooks the rushing river as canyon walls rise on both sides.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Firehole River

Rhyolite canyon walls frame a geothermal-warmed Firehole River, with Firehole Falls dropping 40 feet.

Slough Creek

Meadow stream, VIP Pool at Lamar confluence; shaped by fluvial erosion and glacial deposition.

Imperial Geyser

Imperial Geyser erupts from a 75×100 ft pool; silica-lined conduits feed vivid runoff mats.

Inspiration Point

Promontory overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; rhyolite walls reveal millions of years of erosion.

Upper Falls View

Upper Falls, 109 ft drop over rhyolite—river erosion in a hydrothermally altered canyon.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.