Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River plunges through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park.

Water surges over a 308-foot drop, throwing a veil of spray into the canyon. Light catches the mist as the Yellowstone River carves through hydrothermally altered rhyolite, plunging toward the canyon floor. This is an erosion-driven waterfall created by sustained river incision through resilient rock, with the landscape slowly adapting to uplift. Deep Time frames the canyon's formation around 150,000 years ago as rivers cut deeper and the terrain rose.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 44°43′05″N 110°29′46″W
Accessibility: North Rim and Artist Point accessible overlooks; Brink of the Lower Falls paved but steep; Uncle Tom's Trail strenuous

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Artist Point, Inspiration Point, Lookout Point, Grand View Point, Brink of the Lower Falls, Red Rock Point
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms at trailhead parking; water at visitor centers and lodges; interpretive signs at major overlooks
Best Time To Visit: Late May–September; early morning light for photography; peak crowds mid-June to mid-September.
Tips Advice: North Rim overlooks Brink of the Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Inspiration Point, Red Rock Point for the best geological angles
Brink of the Lower Falls Trail is paved but steep—use hiking poles and take your time
Uncle Tom's Trail involves many stairs and is strenuous (status varies); consider Artist Point for an easier option
Bear spray and sturdy traction are recommended; stay on designated paths and avoid open cliff edges
Insider Tips: Arrive before 8am in peak season for parking
Look for spray-induced rainbows on sunny mornings
Touch the red rock at vantage points to feel oxidized iron in the rock

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Family Friendly Notes: Overlooks have drop-offs; keep children close and away from edges; some trails are steep or stair-heavy
Recent Updates: Uncle Tom's Trail status updated; accessibility and closures may occur seasonally
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 5900
Distance From Entrance: Varies
Accessibility Level: North Rim and Artist Point overlooks are accessible via paved paths. Brink of the Lower Falls is a paved area but very steep, and Uncle Tom's Trail involves more than 300 steps and is not suitable for most mobility-impaired visitors. Overall, the experience depends on the chosen route and viewpoint, with some options easier to reach than others.
How To Get There: From the Canyon area along Grand Loop Road, head to North Rim overlooks (Brink of the Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Inspiration Point, Red Rock Point) or South Rim overlooks (Artist Point, Grandview Point). Park in designated lots and follow signposted routes to each viewpoint.
Parking Availability: Brink of the Lower Falls Trailhead: large paved lot (fills quickly in peak season); Artist Point: parking available; Uncle Tom's Trail: large lot
Road Type: Park roads are paved in overlook areas; Brink of the Lower Falls involves steep switchbacks
Seasonal Access: Roads open late May to September; winter access limited; some trails may be closed in shoulder seasons
Entry Fees: Fees follow Yellowstone's current fee schedule. The standard vehicle entry pass covers a 7-day visit; there are also motorcycle and per-person options. Check the official park page for the latest amounts.
Main Features: 308 ft (94 m) waterfall plunge within Grand Canyon of Yellowstone; river erodes through hydrothermally altered rhyolite
What Youll See: North Rim overlooks show the waterfall's curtain of spray and the canyon walls colored by rhyolite; mist creates rainbows on sunny mornings; multiple overlook options provide different framing opportunities
Unique Characteristics: Hydrothermally altered rhyolite rocks carved by persistent river erosion; part of Yellowstone's geothermal landscape and ongoing uplift-driven incision
Safety Considerations: Gravity risk near cliff edges; trails can be slick where spray wets rock; bear spray advised; traction aids help in winter; stay on marked paths
Best Viewpoints: Brink of the Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Inspiration Point, Red Rock Point, Artist Point, Grandview Point
Photo Opportunities: Early light over the curtain of water; spray-drenched viewpoints with rainbow arcs; east-facing light shifts across the canyon in the morning
Photography Spots: Brink of the Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Inspiration Point, Artist Point, Red Rock Point
Stargazing Quality: Excellent under dark skies; good visibility away from crowded overlooks
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential on clear mornings; east-facing view enhances sunrise photography
Visitor Center Present: 1
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Major overlooks have restroom facilities, including vault toilets at Brink of the Lower Falls, Lookout Point, and Artist Point. There are no full-service restrooms along the popular trails.
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 1
Cell Service: Cell service is limited in the canyon; some overlooks have weak or no signal.
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Brink of the Lower Falls Trailhead, Artist Point, Red Rock Point, Lookout Point, Inspiration Point, Grandview Point
Connecting Trails: Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, Red Rock Point Trail, Lookout Point Trail, Inspiration Point Trail, Artist Point Loop
Nearby Services: Visitor centers and lodges provide water; restrooms at parking; interpretive signs at major viewpoints
Common Wildlife: Bison, elk, bears, wolves; osprey near Red Rock Point
Best Wildlife Times: Dawn to dusk; wildlife commonly observed along roadsides and Lamar Valley
Geological Formation Type: Erosional waterfall in hydrothermally altered rhyolite within a volcanic system
Scientific Interest: Visible river erosion through altered rhyolite; living record of Yellowstone's geologic and geothermal dynamics
Road Opening Dates: Late May to September
Snow Lingering: Snow may linger into late spring; conditions can be icy on higher trails
Winter Access: Trails and overlooks have limited access; winter closures common for steeper routes
Best Visit Times: Early mornings for light and fewer crowds; weekdays when possible
Best Season: Spring to fall
Weather Patterns: Rapid weather shifts; mornings cool with potential afternoon thunderstorms in summer
Peak Fill Times: Mid-June to mid-September
Busiest Season: Mid-June to mid-September
Waterfall Height: 308 ft (94 m)
Waterfall Flow Rate: Flow is driven by snowpack and seasonal runoff. Peak volume typically occurs during spring snowmelt into early summer, with lower levels later in the year and year-to-year variation.
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: 4.9 stars from 67 reviews. Visitors highlight the 308-foot drop and the close-up views from key overlooks; accessibility depends on the route chosen, with some trails easier than others, and peak-season crowds are common.

Location

Photos

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River cascades down canyon walls in Yellowstone National Park.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River shows the dramatic canyon walls of Yellowstone National Park with pine forests.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River viewpoint at Yellowstone National Park, with a smiling visitor overlooking the cascading water.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River plunges through a colorful canyon in Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes. Parking fills quickly at Brink of the Lower Falls and Artist Point during peak season; early arrival increases chances of securing a spot and reduces crowding on the boardwalks.

Is it worth the 0.4–0.5 mile descent to a closer viewpoint?

Yes, the closer overlooks deliver a dramatic sense of scale and spray; however, Uncle Tom's Trail is steep and currently has variable access, so check status and be prepared for many stairs.

Can I bring my dog to the Lower Falls area?

Dogs are allowed on paved overlooks and designated areas but must remain leashed; do not bring pets onto unpaved trails where restrictions apply.

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

Artist Point is accessible via paved paths and is the most recommended option for limited mobility; Brink of the Lower Falls involves a steep descent and may be challenging for some visitors.

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

The water can appear blue-green as a result of the spray and light refraction, but most of the hue comes from the sky and mist rather than a constant blue color in the water itself.