Lookout Point
Lookout Point, Yellowstone National Park: rugged canyon walls, a winding river, evergreen trees, and a rainbow over patches of snow.
Steep rugged canyon walls of beige and gray rock surround a fast turquoise river at the canyon floor in Yellowstone National Park.
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Lookout Point

Natural Attr★★★★☆
Last Updated: January 2026

Overview

About This Attraction

Terraced canyon walls rise above the Yellowstone River as Lower Falls plummets 308 feet. The color comes from hydrothermally altered rhyolite, revealing a canyon carved by river erosion rather than ice. Lookout Point sits along a paved approach, with 13 steps down to the viewing platform.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring or early fall for pleasant weather and fewer visitors; Golden Hour is early morning or late afternoon for photography; Peak season is June–August; avoid the midday glare.

Visitor Tips

  • Look for the best angles along the paved path; the railing provides safe framing of Lower Falls.
  • Parking area adjacent to North Rim Drive; parking fills quickly during peak hours, plan ahead.
  • Wear sturdy shoes; rocks near the overlook can be slick.
  • Stay on the designated paths and respect the fence lines near the edge.
  • Wildlife can appear unpredictably; maintain safe distances.
ℹ️ Data Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →