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Author:
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Backpacker Magazine
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Activity:
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Hiking
ActivitySearchHiking
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State:
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Wyoming (WY)
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Distance:
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4.4 mi
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Difficulty:
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6 / 10
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USGS Topo Map:
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Canyon Village
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Rating:
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Unrated
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One of Yellowstone National Park's classic landmarks, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone extends roughly 20 miles from Upper Falls to the Tower Fall area and drops 1,200 feet, at its deepest point, to the Yellowstone River. Walk the south rim of this immense gorge on this 4.4-mile out-and-back that leads to a classic view of Upper Falls.
From the Wapiti Lake Trailhead, cross the road and pick up the South Rim Trail just east of the bridge. Ahead, the partially paved trail follows the Yellowstone River to the north past multiple rocky bluffs. After half a mile, stop at a point overlooking Upper Falls for views of the Yellowstone River plummeting 109 feet into the canyon. At mile 0.7, continue straight at a 3-way junction, heading north toward Lower Falls.
One mile into the trail, turn left onto Uncle Tom's Trail for the route's most challenging section: 328 grated metal steps that descend to a vantage point overlooking Lower Falls. You'll get a front row seat of this massive wall of water—Yellowstone's biggest waterfall—as it plunges 308 feet to the canyon bottom.
After ascending back up the steep staircase, turn left at the top and head east along the edge of the canyon. Less than half a mile later, prepare for a steep switchback climb flanked by lovely woods. At mile 2.3, the route culminates at Artist Point, a popular lookout with picture-perfect views down the length of the canyon to Lower Falls. Snap some photos before turning around for the return trip to Wapiti Lake Trailhead.
MORE PARK INFO: Yellowstone National Park, (307) 344-7381; nps.gov/yell/.
-Mapped by Jeff Chow
TO TRAILHEAD: From the NE Entrance, head south on the NE Entrance Rd. In 26.3 miles, turn left onto Grand Loop Rd. In 20.5 miles turn left into the parking area.
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
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South Rim
| Dist: 2.37 mi |
Points: 216 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
South Rim
SRM001
Location: 44.708062°, -110.500902°
Wapiti Lake Trailhead: Look for a sign in the parking lot indicating "Trail to Bridge - South/North Rim Trail."
SRM002
Location: 44.707962°, -110.501856°
Cross the road and head to the bridge; you'll see a sign for South Rim Trail. Ahead, the partially paved trail follows the Yellowstone River to the north past multiple rocky bluffs.
SRM003
Location: 44.710588°, -110.500939°
Catch a glimpse of a beautiful arched bridge on the north side of the river. Small rapids can be seen on the left.
SRM004
Location: 44.712365°, -110.498503°
Upper Falls: Catch views of the Yellowstone River plummeting 109 feet into the canyon. Although this waterfall is smaller than Lower Falls it still puts on an impressive show.
SRM005
Location: 44.714648°, -110.497141°
Continue straight at this 3-way junction, heading north toward Lower Falls. A trail to Upper Falls parking area veers right.
SRM006
Location: 44.716474°, -110.495789°
Stay left at trail fork, heading downhill to the beginning of Uncle Tom's Trail.
SRM007
Location: 44.716328°, -110.495073°
Uncle Tom's Trail: Leave your fear of heights behind as you descend the 328 grated metal steps to Lower Falls. Caution: This portion of the trail is very steep and challenging.
SRM008
Location: 44.717528°, -110.494472°
Uncle Tom's Viewpoint: You'll get a front row seat of Lower Falls at this viewpoint roughly ¾ of the way down into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This massive wall of water (Yellowstone's biggest waterfall) plunges 308 feet to the canyon bottom. Next, return to Waypoint 7 and turn left to continue the loop.
SRM009
Location: 44.717077°, -110.491970°
Stop at this viewpoint along the rim of the canyon to get a different perspective of Lower Falls.
SRM010
Location: 44.716962°, -110.489942°
Next to Uncle Tom's Trail, this section is the most challenging. Prepare for a steep switchback climb flanked by lovely woods.
SRM011
Location: 44.718800°, -110.482303°
Walk northeast through the Artist Point parking lot.
SRM012
Location: 44.720904°, -110.478993°
Artist Point: Look down the length of the canyon for picture-perfect views of Lower Falls in the distance. This viewpoint is said to be named by park photographer F. Jay Haynes in 1883. From here, turn around and return to the Wapiti Lake Trailhead.
View from Artist Point
Location: 44.721045°, -110.479363°
© FastLayne
Upper Falls
Location: 44.712342°, -110.498385°
© Jeff Chow
Trail Sign
Location: 44.714652°, -110.497087°
© Jeff Chow
Interpretive Sign
Location: 44.714717°, -110.497178°
© Jeff Chow
Upper Falls
Location: 44.714748°, -110.497189°
© Jeff Chow
Trail Sign
Location: 44.716474°, -110.495730°
© Jeff Chow
Uncle Tom's Trail
Location: 44.716579°, -110.495282°
© Jeff Chow
Canyon Walls
Location: 44.716884°, -110.495167°
© Jeff Chow
Canyon Walls
Location: 44.717233°, -110.494633°
© Jeff Chow
Staircase
Location: 44.717528°, -110.494448°
© Jeff Chow
Upper Falls
Location: 44.717526°, -110.494424°
© Jeff Chow
Canyon Walls
Location: 44.717175°, -110.491462°
© Jeff Chow
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location: 44.717839°, -110.486616°
© Jeff Chow
View from Artist Point
Location: 44.721073°, -110.479377°
© FastLayne
Lower Falls
Location: 44.721104°, -110.479377°
© FastLayne
