Brink Of The Upper Falls

109-ft Upper Falls along the Yellowstone River; erosion carved the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Insider tip

Step a few meters down from the main overlook for Old Chittenden Bridge views

Insider tip

Visit during spring or early summer for the most dramatic water flow

The light

Alpenglow potential; sunrise/sunset light enhances canyon color

Heads up

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.

Natural Attraction

Natural AttractionOPERATIONAL★ 4.9
Waterfall7,696 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

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.

Getting there & parking

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.
Distance From Entrance
Varies
Road Type
Paved
Parking Availability
Paved lot; fills by morning in peak season; arrive early or late to avoid crowds.
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills by mid-morning in peak season; overflow parking available
GPS Coordinates
44°42′46″N 110°29′59″W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late May through mid-October; golden-hour light and mist create rainbows.
Best Visit Times
Spring or early summer for the most dramatic flow; avoid midday glare
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential; sunrise/sunset light enhances canyon color
Best Season
Late May through mid-October
Busiest Season
Summer
Seasonal Access
Late spring through fall; roads to the Grand Canyon area generally open from late spring through fall.
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
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms common in mid-summer; plan for changing conditions
Fall Colors Peak
Mid-September to early October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Waterfall
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.
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
Best Viewpoints
Grandview Point, Artist Point, Lookout Point, Upper Falls Viewpoint
Common Wildlife
Osprey and eagles can be seen hunting in the canyon
Best Wildlife Times
Spring through summer
Geological Formation Type
Canyon
Scientific Interest
Hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite; visible post-caldera erosion by the Yellowstone River
Stargazing Quality
Good

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Flush toilets
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
Yes
Cell Service
Intermittent
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Paved main pathway; stairs to lower overlook; not fully wheelchair accessible.
Accessibility Level
Paved main path; stairs to lower viewing area; not fully wheelchair accessible.
Nearby Services
Canyon Village lodging, dining, and a visitor center; restrooms and water in developed areas
Nearby Facilities
Canyon Village lodging, dining, visitor center; restrooms and water in developed zones
Family Friendly Notes
Exposed edges; hold hands; stay on paved paths and supervised areas

Safety

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.

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Lower Falls, Grand View Point, Artist Point, Lookout Point, Canyon Village
Connecting Trails
North Rim Trail, Brink of Upper Falls Trail
Trailheads Here
Brink of Upper Falls Trail; connection to North Rim Trail; Lower Falls ~0.25 miles downstream

Planning advice

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
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

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park — Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone region
Elevation Feet
7696
Visitor Center Present
Yes
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
}
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
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.

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.

Artist Point

Lower Falls overlook; canyon walls colored by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite.

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.

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.