Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River — 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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Type

Waterfall

Accessibility

Paved main path; stairs to lower viewing area; not fully wheelchair accessible.

Best Season

Late May through mid-October

Busiest Season

Summer

Features

Upper Falls (109 ft); Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone overlooks; iron-stained rhyolite canyon walls.

Elevation

7,696 ft

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Waterfall

Elevation

7,696 ft

Access

Paved main path; stairs to lower viewing area; not fully wheelchair accessible.

Main Features

Upper Falls (109 ft); Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone overlooks; iron-stained rhyolite canyon walls.

What You'll See

A thunderous 109-foot waterfall and a canyon walls colored by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite; multiple overlooks including Grandview, Artist, and Lookout Points.

What Makes It Special

Iron-rich rhyolite walls created by hydrothermal alteration; close-proximity views of a major Yellowstone waterfall within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Best Time to Visit

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

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.

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

Type: Waterfall

Elevation: 7,696 ft

Distance from Entrance: Varies

GPS: 44°42′46″N 110°29′59″W

What Makes It Unique:

Iron-rich rhyolite walls created by hydrothermal alteration; close-proximity views of a major Yellowstone waterfall within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Water Feature Details

Height: }

Geology

Formation Type: Canyon

Scientific Interest:

Hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite; visible post-caldera erosion by the Yellowstone River

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: Paved main path; stairs to lower viewing area; not fully wheelchair accessible.

Road: Paved

Seasonal Access: Late spring through fall; roads to the Grand Canyon area generally open from late spring through fall.

Parking: Paved lot; fills by morning in peak season; arrive early or late to avoid crowds.

Entry Fees: Varies

Trails

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

Photography & Viewing

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.

Best Photo Spots:

Grandview, Lookout, Artist Points; main overlook and alternative angles along the paved path

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow potential; sunrise/sunset light enhances canyon color

Stargazing: Good

Facilities

Visitor Center
Restrooms (Flush toilets)
Potable Water
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Intermittent

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Osprey and eagles can be seen hunting in the canyon

Best Wildlife Viewing: Spring through summer

Fall Colors Peak: Mid-September to early October

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late May through mid-October

Best Times: Spring or early summer for the most dramatic flow; avoid midday glare

Road Opens: Roads to the Grand Canyon area open late spring through fall

Busiest: Summer

Parking Fills: Parking fills by mid-morning in peak season; overflow parking available

Snow Until: Snow lingers into late spring; melt drives spring flows

Winter Access: Limited; typical winter closures

Weather:

Afternoon thunderstorms common in mid-summer; plan for changing conditions

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

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

Nearby Services:

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

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

Based on 855 guest reviews

" 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."

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?