Artist Point
Lower Falls overlook; canyon walls colored by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite.
South Rim Trail yields varied angles; best light during snowmelt; watch for wildlife; arrive early to reduce crowds
Golden-hour light; alpenglow potential
Cliff edge hazard; guardrails present; stay on paved paths; bear spray recommended; cell service unreliable
Late spring through early fall (May–October) when roads are open. Sunrise and late afternoon yield the best light for photography. Midday light is harsh and cr…
Natural Attraction
A broad view rests over the canyon: Lower Falls drops 308 feet while the cliff walls glow with red, orange, and purple tones. This overlook sits on the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with a short, paved walk from the parking area. That color signature comes from hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite during Yellowstone’s volcanic past.
Cliff known for its picturesque views of the canyon & its famous 308-ft. Lower Falls waterfall.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- From the Canyon Village area, drive to South Rim Drive and park in the Artist Point lot; a short 0.1 mile paved walk leads to the main overlook.
- Distance From Entrance
- 0.2 miles round trip (parking lot to overlook)
- Road Type
- Paved roads; short paved walk to the overlook
- Parking Availability
- Large lot; fills early, especially during peak season
- Peak Fill Times
- Parking fills early; peak-season crowds form by late morning; plan to arrive early
- GPS Coordinates
- 44°43′16″N 110°28′46″W
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Late spring through early fall (May–October) when roads are open. Sunrise and late afternoon yield the best light for photography. Midday light is harsh and crowds peak during summer.
- Best Visit Times
- Early morning or late afternoon, May–October
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Golden-hour light; alpenglow potential
- Best Season
- Late spring to early fall (May–October)
- Busiest Season
- Midday to sunset during peak summer
- Seasonal Access
- Roads open May–October; snowmelt peak in late spring
- Road Opening Dates
- Roads open May–October
- Snow Lingering
- May into early June
- Winter Access
- Limited; some roads closed due to snow; viewing may be available from safe areas
- Weather Patterns
- Harsh glare at midday; spring snowmelt; variable mountain weather
- Wildflower Peak
- July
- Fall Colors Peak
- Late September–Early October
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Geological Formation
- Main Features
- Overlook on the south rim; Lower Falls (308 ft) within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; canyon depth 800–1,200 ft; width up to 4,000 ft; rhyolite walls altered by hydrothermal activity.
- What Youll See
- Lower Falls, canyon walls with red/orange/purple hues; main overlook
- Unique Characteristics
- View contributed to Yellowstone's establishment as a national park; canyon walls show a distinctive hydrothermal color signature
- Photo Opportunities
- Sunrise and late-afternoon golden-hour light; avoid midday glare
- Photography Spots
- Main Artist Point overlook; sunrise and golden-hour angles; light on canyon walls
- Best Viewpoints
- Inspiration Point and Grandview Point (North Rim); South Rim Trail to Point Sublime
- Common Wildlife
- Osprey, ravens, swallows, bald eagles; bison and elk in the wider Yellowstone area
- Best Wildlife Times
- Binoculars enhance viewing along canyon walls; no fixed times provided
- Geological Formation Type
- Rhyolite canyon walls altered by hydrothermal activity; canyon carved by the Yellowstone River
- Scientific Interest
- Hydrothermal alteration signatures; role in Yellowstone's park history and the canyon's color palette
- Stargazing Quality
- Excellent under clear, dark skies
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Varies
- Permits Required
- 0
- Restrooms Available
- 1
- Restroom Type
- Vault toilets
- Picnic Areas
- 0
- Water Available
- 0
- Cell Service
- Unreliable
- Interpretive Signs
- 1
- Accessibility
- Paved, wheelchair-friendly path to Artist Point
- Accessibility Level
- Paved, wheelchair-friendly path to Artist Point
- Nearby Services
- Canyon Village area has lodging, dining, and services
- Nearby Facilities
- Canyon Village area has lodging, dining, and services
- Family Friendly Notes
- Short, accessible walk; stay behind barriers; keep distance from the edge
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Cliff edge hazard; guardrails present; stay on paved paths; bear spray recommended; cell service unreliable
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Inspiration Point, Grandview Point (North Rim); South Rim Trail to Point Sublime; Canyon Village area services
- Connecting Trails
- South Rim Trail to Point Sublime; connections to Inspiration Point/Grandview Point
- Trailheads Here
- South Rim Trail connects here to Point Sublime
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- South Rim Trail yields varied angles; best light during snowmelt; watch for wildlife; arrive early to reduce crowds
- Tips Advice
- Parking lot at end of South Rim Drive is large but fills early in peak season.
- The main overlook is paved and wheelchair-friendly; stay on the path and behind barriers.
- Bear spray is recommended in Yellowstone.
- Cell service is unreliable; download maps offline.
More details
- Park Area
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Elevation Feet
- 7720
- Visitor Center Present
- 0
- Guided Tours Available
- 0
- Waterfall Height
- 308 ft
- Waterfall Flow Rate
- High flow during snowmelt; varies seasonally
- Fishing Nearby
- 0
- Swimming Allowed
- 0
- Boating Allowed
- 0
- Climbing Areas
- 0
- Review Summary
- 4.9 stars from 2,433 reviews; top-rated for the sight of Lower Falls and the canyon’s colors, with an easy, short walk and solid safety barriers
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?
Parking fills early, especially in peak season; plan for early arrival or expect overflow.
Is the 0.2-mile round trip to Artist Point worth it?
Yes. The view of Lower Falls and the canyon’s color signature is iconic, and the short paved walk is accessible.
Is the overlook accessible for someone with mobility needs?
Yes. The path to Artist Point is paved and wheelchair-friendly.
What wildlife might I see from the overlook?
Birds such as osprey and eagles are common along the canyon walls; keep a safe distance from all wildlife.
Is bear spray recommended for the Artist Point area?
Bear spray is a prudent precaution in Yellowstone; carry it and know how to use it.
More at Yellowstone National Park
Grand Prismatic Spring
Rainbow rim of a hot spring; colors arise from thermophiles in Yellowstone's volcanic system.
Yellowstone Lake
Caldera lake tilted by resurgent domes; hydrothermal vents dot the lakebed.
Lake Butte Overlook
Panoramic view of Yellowstone Lake from the caldera rim; distant Tetons on clear days.
Gibbon River
84 ft Gibbon Falls; river through hydrothermal basins along Grand Loop Road.
Gibbon Falls
84-foot cascade over an ancient Yellowstone lava flow; drive-up overlook with a wheelchair-friendly path.
Roosevelt Arch
52-ft basalt arch marks Yellowstone’s north entrance; 1903 rustic gateway built from local volcanic rock.
Recommended gear for Yellowstone National Park
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Sources
- npshistory.com
- nps.gov
- wikipedia.org
- shakaguide.com
- hikespeak.com
- proartinc.net
- youtube.com
- wanderlog.com
- yellowstonepark.com
- earthtrekkers.com
- alamy.com
- arcgis.com
- visitmt.com
- evendo.com
- 10adventures.com
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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.