Lower Falls of the Yellowstone
308-ft Lower Falls. Dramatic spray and yellow canyon walls carved by erosion.
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 b…
Alpenglow potential; sunrise light from the east enhances canyon walls
Drop-offs are steep; stay behind barriers; spray makes surfaces slick; bear spray advisable; cell service is unreliable; keep distance from wildlife and stay o…
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; avoi…
Natural 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.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- 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.
- Distance From Entrance
- Varies
- Road Type
- Paved
- Parking Availability
- Large paved parking areas; lots fill quickly during peak season and midday
- Peak Fill Times
- Parking fills by late morning during peak season; plan to arrive early
- GPS Coordinates
- 44.7206° N, 110.4997° W
When to go
- 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.
- Best Visit Times
- Early morning or late afternoon for light and fewer crowds
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Alpenglow potential; sunrise light from the east enhances canyon walls
- Best Season
- Late spring through early fall
- Busiest Season
- July and August
- Seasonal Access
- Roads open mid-April through late October; winter access limited
- Road Opening Dates
- Roads typically open mid-April to late October; snow can delay openings
- Snow Lingering
- Snow can linger into late spring; plan for variable conditions
- Winter Access
- Limited winter access; roads frequently closed to regular traffic
- Weather Patterns
- Fog in the mornings; glare at midday; thunderstorms possible in summer afternoons; variable spring/fall weather
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Geological Formation
- 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 Youll 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
- Unique Characteristics
- Yellow canyon walls from hydrothermal alteration; location within the Yellowstone Caldera; ongoing erosion shaping a relatively young canyon in a supervolcanic setting
- Photo Opportunities
- Golden hour scenes from east-facing viewpoints; rainbow halos in spray in morning light; close-ups from Brink of the Lower Falls
- Photography Spots
- Artist Point; Brink of the Lower Falls viewpoint; various South Rim overlooks
- Best Viewpoints
- Artist Point (South Rim); multiple South Rim viewpoints; Brink of the Lower Falls trail for close perspective
- Common Wildlife
- Ospreys and other raptors; occasional bighorn sheep and mountain goats along canyon walls
- Best Wildlife Times
- Scan canyon walls during morning light; early hours often best for sightings
- Geological 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
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Varies; park passes required
- Permits Required
- No
- Restrooms Available
- Yes
- Restroom Type
- Modern restrooms
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- No
- Cell Service
- Spotty to non-existent near the falls; plan accordingly
- Interpretive Signs
- Yes
- Accessibility
- Paved viewpoints on South Rim; Brink trail is paved but steep; overall accessibility moderate
- Accessibility Level
- Paved paths to main viewpoints; Brink of the Lower Falls trail is paved but steep
- Nearby Services
- Restrooms at main viewpoints; interpretive signs; visitor centers provide potable water nearby
- Nearby Facilities
- Main viewpoints offer restrooms; water available at visitor centers; interpretive signs present
- Family Friendly Notes
- Exposed edges and spray require supervision for kids; stay on paved routes; hold hands on steep sections
Safety
- 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
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Upper Falls of the Yellowstone; Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Connecting Trails
- Brink of the Lower Falls Trail; South Rim Trail; Artist Point viewpoints
- Trailheads Here
- Brink of the Lower Falls trail (0.75-mile round-trip, paved, steep); South Rim Trail; Artist Point viewpoints
Planning advice
- 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.
- Tips Advice
- 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.
More details
- Park Area
- Yellowstone National Park
- Elevation Feet
- 6200
- Visitor Center Present
- Yes
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Waterfall Height
- 308 ft
- Waterfall Flow Rate
- Varies with snowmelt; peak flow in late spring to early summer
- Fishing Nearby
- No
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- No
- Climbing Areas
- No
- Review Summary
- 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.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
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?
Yes. It delivers the most powerful perspective of the falls and canyon, but be prepared for a steep, paved grade and take breaks as needed.
Is it accessible for someone with mobility limitations?
South Rim viewpoints are accessible via paved paths; the Brink of the Lower Falls trail is steep but paved, so it may be challenging for some.
Can I bring kids to the Lower Falls area?
Yes, but supervise closely near edges and spray; use designated paths and keep kids with you at all times.
Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?
The water color is a natural river; lighting and spray can create varied appearances in photos, but the canyon walls’ yellow color is from hydrothermal alteration.
More at Yellowstone National Park
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
- 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
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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.