Gibbon Falls

84-foot cascade over an ancient Yellowstone lava flow; drive-up overlook with a wheelchair-friendly path.

Insider tip

Take the lower trail beneath the main viewpoint for a closer, more immersive angle, but be prepared to get your feet wet. Arrive early or photograph late in the day to encounter f…

The light

Alpenglow potential; good silhouettes at dawn or dusk

Heads up

Bear spray recommended; stay behind safety barriers; unpredictable wildlife; cold, fast-moving water; keep distance from edges

When to come

Late spring through early fall; golden hour mornings and late afternoons offer the best light. The road is closed in winter.

Natural Attraction

Natural AttractionOPERATIONAL★ 4.8
Geological Formation0 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

An 84-foot cascade pours down the Gibbon River, visible from a short, paved overlook loop. The water drops over a remnant of the Yellowstone caldera rim, a lava-flow scar from a volcanic eruption roughly 631,000 years ago. Over millennia the falls have inched upstream as the river gnaws at the lava, while nearby meadows host fall wildlife activity.

Waterfall with an 84-ft. drop & a gradual descent, plus parking, an overlook & informational boards.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From Grand Loop Road, pull into the Gibbon Falls pullout along Grand Loop Road and follow the short paved path to the overlooks.
Distance From Entrance
35 minutes from West Yellowstone Entrance Station
Road Type
Paved
Parking Availability
Parking pullout capacity can be an issue; arriving early or late is recommended
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills during peak hours; mornings and weekends in summer are busiest
GPS Coordinates
44°39′14″N 110°46′16″W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late spring through early fall; golden hour mornings and late afternoons offer the best light. The road is closed in winter.
Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon for light and solitude
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential; good silhouettes at dawn or dusk
Best Season
Late spring through early fall
Busiest Season
Late spring through early fall
Seasonal Access
Road typically closed in winter; accessible late spring through early fall
Road Opening Dates
Open late spring through early fall; winter closure
Snow Lingering
Snow can linger into late spring
Winter Access
Not accessible by vehicle; limited winter viewing from adjacent areas
Weather Patterns
Variable; possible afternoon thunderstorms in summer; cool mornings

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
84-foot cascade; lava-flow rim remnant; knickpoint retreat; fish-migration barrier (altered by human introductions)
What Youll See
Gibbon River cascading over a lava-flow ledge; multiple overlooks; interpretive signs; nearby picnic area
Unique Characteristics
Cascade over a lava-flow remnant of the caldera rim; knickpoint retreat track; named for Col. John Gibbon; historical Hayden survey connection
Photo Opportunities
Golden-hour light on the falls; spray with rainbow potential on calm mornings; use the east-side viewpoints for late-day sun
Photography Spots
Overlooks along the paved loop; early morning east-facing light or late afternoon side-light
Best Viewpoints
Lower overlook along the paved path; upper viewpoints near the picnic area
Common Wildlife
Bison, elk, coyotes, black bears, various birds
Best Wildlife Times
Fall for meadow wildlife grazing and migratory birds
Geological Formation Type
Lava-flow remnant over caldera rim; cascade waterfall
Scientific Interest
Caldera rim lava-flow interaction, knickpoint retreat, historical migration barriers

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Park entrance fees apply
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
Yes
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Limited
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Paved path; wheelchair accessible viewpoints
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view; short, paved, wheelchair-accessible path to viewpoints
Nearby Services
Madison Junction or Norris Geyser Basin for restrooms and services; driving to West Yellowstone for broader amenities
Nearby Facilities
Gibbon Falls Picnic Area restrooms; nearby services at Madison Junction/Norris Geyser Basin
Family Friendly Notes
0.5-mile flat walk; supervise children near edges; wildlife awareness

Safety

Safety Considerations
Bear spray recommended; stay behind safety barriers; unpredictable wildlife; cold, fast-moving water; keep distance from edges

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Norris Geyser Basin, Artists Paintpots, Madison Junction, Firehole River
Connecting Trails
Grand Loop Road; short loop from picnic area; connections to other overlooks along loop
Trailheads Here
Gibbon Falls Picnic Area trailhead; paved path to viewpoints

Planning advice

Insider Tips
Take the lower trail beneath the main viewpoint for a closer, more immersive angle, but be prepared to get your feet wet. Arrive early or photograph late in the day to encounter fewer crowds. The paved route to the main viewing area is wheelchair accessible.
Tips Advice
  • 0.5-mile round-trip paved path; wheelchair accessible; multiple viewpoints.
  • Parking fills during peak hours—arrive early or late for quiet photos.
  • Bear spray is recommended; stay behind barriers; make noise to avoid surprising wildlife.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park
Elevation Feet
0
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
84 feet (25.6 m)
Waterfall Flow Rate
Seasonal; higher in spring
Fishing Species
Arctic grayling (historical); current river species depend on migration patterns
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Visitors note accessible access and the 84-foot drop. Parking fills up during peak season and around midday. The overlook yields multiple photography angles, while interpretive panels explain the falls' geology and Yellowstone’s history. Overall, it’s a solid, safe stop with clear geological context.

Location

Gibbon Falls cascades down a rocky gorge amid evergreen trees in Yellowstone National Park.Gibbon Falls cascades along the Gibbon River through rocky cliffs in Yellowstone National Park.Gibbon Falls in Yellowstone National Park cascades down a rocky gorge within a canyon formed by rugged cliffs.Gibbon Falls Trail sign mounted on a large rock at Yellowstone National Park, listing the Brink of Falls, Falls Overlook, and Lower Overlook routes.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking fills during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to park along the Grand Loop Road and walk a short distance to the pullout.

Is it worth the 0.5-mile walk to the viewpoints?

Yes. The flat, paved loop offers multiple overlooks with clean sightlines to the falls and nearby caldera-rim geology.

Can I bring bear spray and walk with kids here?

Bear spray is recommended in Yellowstone; keep kids close and stay behind barriers; the path is short and manageable for families.

Is the path wheelchair accessible for my parent?

Yes, the path to the viewpoints is paved and accessible, with viewpoints reachable without stairs.

Is there a danger from the water or edges?

Yes—stay behind barriers; the water is cold and swift, and edges can be slick.

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.

Roaring Mountain

White-gray slopes altered by hydrothermal chemistry; steam vents punctuate the roadside view.

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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.