Lower Falls of the Yellowstone

+2 more

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Paved paths to main viewpoints; Brink of the Lower Falls trail is paved but steep

Best Season

Late spring through early fall

Busiest Season

July and August

Features

Lower Falls, 308-ft drop; Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; yellow canyon walls from hydrothermal alteration; canyon depth ~1,000 ft, width up to 4,000 ft

Elevation

6,200 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

Amber spray erupts from a 308-foot plunge into the Yellowstone River, throwing a curtain of mist across the canyon. The South Rim viewpoints, especially Artist Point, reveal canyon walls dyed yellow by hydrothermal alteration of volcanic rock. This setting sits inside the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a product of erosion and ongoing hydrothermal processes in the Yellowstone Caldera.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

6,200 ft

Access

Paved paths to main viewpoints; Brink of the Lower Falls trail is paved but steep

Main Features

Lower Falls, 308-ft drop; Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; yellow canyon walls from hydrothermal alteration; canyon depth ~1,000 ft, width up to 4,000 ft

What You'll See

Amber spray at the plunge; dramatic canyon walls colored yellow; multiple viewpoints along the South Rim and a closer look from the Brink trail

What Makes It Special

Yellow canyon walls from hydrothermal alteration; location within the Yellowstone Caldera; ongoing erosion shaping a relatively young canyon in a supervolcanic setting

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall; roads open mid-April through late October depending on snow. Golden hour light from the east highlights the canyon colors; avoid midday glare and fogy mornings.

Safety Considerations

Drop-offs are steep; stay behind barriers; spray makes surfaces slick; bear spray advisable; cell service is unreliable; keep distance from wildlife and stay on trails

Visitor Tips

Arrive early to secure parking; lots fill quickly in peak season.
Use the paved paths to view from Artist Point or Brink of the Lower Falls for the most powerful perspective.
Bear spray is advisable; stay on designated paths and monitor wildlife distances.
Bring binoculars for raptors watching the canyon faces.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 6,200 ft

Distance from Entrance: Varies

GPS: 44.7206° N, 110.4997° W

What Makes It Unique:

Yellow canyon walls from hydrothermal alteration; location within the Yellowstone Caldera; ongoing erosion shaping a relatively young canyon in a supervolcanic setting

Water Feature Details

Height: 308 ft

Flow/Best Viewing: Varies with snowmelt; peak flow in late spring to early summer

Geology

Formation Type: Volcanic canyon carved by erosion through Yellowstone Caldera rocks; hydrothermal alteration colors canyon walls

Scientific Interest:

Visible hydrothermal alteration, active erosion within a supervolcano setting; records of volcanic history and canyon formation

Getting There

Directions:

Follow South Rim signs to Artist Point and Brink of the Lower Falls; parking is available at Upper and South Rim viewpoints along the South Rim.

Access Type: Paved paths to main viewpoints; Brink of the Lower Falls trail is paved but steep

Road: Paved

Seasonal Access: Roads open mid-April through late October; winter access limited

Parking: Large paved parking areas; lots fill quickly during peak season and midday

Entry Fees: Varies; park passes required

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Brink of the Lower Falls trail (0.75-mile round-trip, paved, steep); South Rim Trail; Artist Point viewpoints

Connecting Trails:

Brink of the Lower Falls Trail; South Rim Trail; Artist Point viewpoints

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Artist Point (South Rim); multiple South Rim viewpoints; Brink of the Lower Falls trail for close perspective

Photo Opportunities:

Golden hour scenes from east-facing viewpoints; rainbow halos in spray in morning light; close-ups from Brink of the Lower Falls

Best Photo Spots:

Artist Point; Brink of the Lower Falls viewpoint; various South Rim overlooks

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow potential; sunrise light from the east enhances canyon walls

Facilities

Visitor Center
Restrooms (Modern restrooms)
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Spotty to non-existent near the falls; plan accordingly

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Ospreys and other raptors; occasional bighorn sheep and mountain goats along canyon walls

Best Wildlife Viewing: Scan canyon walls during morning light; early hours often best for sightings

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late spring through early fall

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for light and fewer crowds

Road Opens: Roads typically open mid-April to late October; snow can delay openings

Busiest: July and August

Parking Fills: Parking fills by late morning during peak season; plan to arrive early

Snow Until: Snow can linger into late spring; plan for variable conditions

Winter Access: Limited winter access; roads frequently closed to regular traffic

Weather:

Fog in the mornings; glare at midday; thunderstorms possible in summer afternoons; variable spring/fall weather

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Upper Falls of the Yellowstone; Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Nearby Services:

Restrooms at main viewpoints; interpretive signs; visitor centers provide potable water nearby

Insider Tips

Park early to grab a spot in the large paved lot at the Brink of the Lower Falls trailhead near Artist Point. The 0.7-mile round-trip Brink of the Lower Falls Trail leads to the brink, where you’ll have the closest, most dramatic view of the Lower Falls and the canyon. If you’re hoping to catch wildlife along the rim, bring binoculars. Expect spray from the falls, so bring a light jacket for the cool, damp mornings.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Paved viewpoints on South Rim; Brink trail is paved but steep; overall accessibility moderate

Family Friendly:

Exposed edges and spray require supervision for kids; stay on paved routes; hold hands on steep sections

Nearby Facilities:

Main viewpoints offer restrooms; water available at visitor centers; interpretive signs present

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 353 Google reviews

Based on 353 guest reviews

" Visitors rate the Lower Falls highly for its dramatic plunge and the yellow canyon walls, with consistent praise for accessible viewpoints and the power of the close-up from the Brink trail. Crowds peak in July and August, but early light reveals color and reduces glare. The combination of erosion, hydrothermal alteration, and a setting inside the Yellowstone Caldera makes it a standout geologic scene."

Reviews from Google

If you are going to Yellowstone, this is by far the most gorgeous and spectacular nature scene to see.

“Paved” trail down to the overlook. It’s not bad. Little slick from a recent rain so be careful with that.There’s about 20 switchbacks so it’s not intolerable. View of the upper falls is nice. View of the lower falls is amazing! You should definitely do this if you’re able. I didn’t see anyone with a cane or anything like that making the attempt, so I’m fairly comfortable saying it’s not handicap friendly.

One of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in my life. It made me realize how small me and my problems are on the greater scale. The trees and rock formations were incredible. The trail is a little steep going down, and pretty difficult going back up. (We are avid 23 years old hikers) so just bring water and a snack and you’ll be fine!

Showing 3 of 353 reviews

FAQs

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

Yes. Parking fills quickly in peak season; arriving early improves chances of finding a spot and reduces walking in heat.

Is it worth the 0.75-mile steep paved Brink of the Lower Falls trail?

Is it accessible for someone with mobility limitations?

Can I bring kids to the Lower Falls area?

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

📖 grokipedia.com 📖 turpinmeadowranch.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 yellowstone.net 📖 criswellphotography.com 📖 yellowstonepark.com 📖 roadsidesecrets.com 📖 kiddle.co 📖 yellowstonevacations.com 📖 beyondarizona.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 nps.gov 📖 undercanvas.com 📖 noahlangphotography.com 📖 yellowstoneparknet.com 📖 getyourguide.com 📖 wanderlog.com 📖 yellowstoneexplored.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 destinationyellowstone.com 📖 planyellowstone.com 📖 yellowstone.co 📖 yellowstonenationalparklodges.com ⭐ Google Reviews 🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Details

Location & Features

Water Feature Details

Geology

Getting There

Trails

Photography & Viewing

Facilities

Wildlife & Nature

Seasonal Information

Nearby

Insider Tips

Visitor Information

Location

Address & Directions

Proximity

Reviews

The YNPG Verdict

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

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