Gibbon River, Yellowstone: From Grebe Lake to Gibbon Falls (84 ft) and the Gibbon Geyser Basin

Q: Is it worth the 1-mile hike to Monument Geyser Basin?

Yes. Monument Geyser Basin offers silica sinter deposits and steam activity; the last half of the climb is steep, but the payoff is distinctive hydrothermal scenery.

Q: Can I bring my dog to the thermal areas?

No. Dogs are not allowed on boardwalks in thermal areas; they may be kept on roads and in non-thermal zones on leash where allowed.

Q: Will my 65-year-old mother be able to walk to the viewpoint?

Gibbon Falls has a roadside viewpoint accessible without a hike; Monument Basin requires a hike with elevation gain, so choose the Falls for easy accessibility.

Q: Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

Color varies with mineral content and steam; the basins show mineral-oxide and silica textures that create light, shifting hues.

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Overview

About This Attraction

Gibbon Falls pours 84 feet beside a river bend with steam rising from sinter basins. The river threads through hydrothermal zones carved by Yellowstone's volcanic heartbeat, showing erosion and deposition in action.

Best Time to Visit

Summer and fall; mornings for photography; avoid mid-day glare; fishing best late spring through early fall.

Visitor Tips

Look for the contrast of steam-wreathed basins and the river.
Stay on boardwalks around thermal areas; ground is unstable.
Parking fills early in peak season; arrive before 8am or use pullouts.
Bear spray recommended; wildlife can move through Gibbon Meadows.

Details

Location & Features

GPS: 44.6538 N, 110.7711 W

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Gibbon Falls, Artist's Paint Pots, Chocolate Pots, Sylvan Springs, Gibbon Meadows

Insider Tips

Arrive early to secure parking at Gibbon Falls
Bear spray recommended
Felt-soled wading boots are prohibited on all rivers in Yellowstone
The Monument Basin requires a +1 mile hike; last half is steep
Cell service is limited; carry GPS or satellite device

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Drive-up viewpoints; Monument Geyser Basin requires a hike; boardwalks in thermal zones

Family Friendly:

Exposed riverbanks; hold hands near cliffs; stay on trails

Nearby Facilities:

Gibbon Falls parking, Artists' Paint Pots access, pullouts along Grand Loop Road, Gibbon Meadows wildlife viewing

FAQs

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

Yes. Gibbon Falls parking fills quickly in peak season; plan to arrive before 8am or use adjacent pullouts along Grand Loop Road.

Is it worth the 1-mile hike to Monument Geyser Basin?

Can I bring my dog to the thermal areas?

Will my 65-year-old mother be able to walk to the viewpoint?

Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

📖 youtube.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 grizzlyrv.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 wandering-through-time-and-place.com 📖 yellowstonenationalpark.com 📖 destinationmontana.com 📖 kiddle.co 📖 yellowstoneparknet.com 📖 destinationwest.org 📖 annestravels.net 📖 yellowstonepark.com 📖 montanaangler.com 📖 fireholeranch.com 📖 geomorphologyresearch.com 📖 lucillelucasgallery.com 📖 yellowstoneinsider.com 📖 wanderlog.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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