Yellowstone - Yellowstone Upper and Lower Falls Viewing Points

Introduction:

What? :

At the heart of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone you can find the magnificent Upper and Lower Falls. The Lower Falls, plunging 308 feet (nearly twice the height of Niagara!), is the star, but the 109-foot Upper Falls delivers raw, intimate power.

To appreciate this wonder, you can visit a few viewpoints along the North and South Rim. Let's dive into the absolute best spots to witness these incredible waterfalls.

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Where? :

The Canyon and the waterfalls are located near the Canyon Village area of Yellowstone National Park.

The South and North Rim drive access are located on the Grand Loop Road, about 2 miles south of the Canyon Village Junction.

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When? :

The park is open year round, but the journey to get here and the surrounding scenery change dramatically between summer and winter.

For most people, late May to September is the ideal time to visit here.

My personal recommendations are to visit Yellowstone National Park during the month of September.

The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.

Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.

Summer:

This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)

All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive right to any destination within the park.

It is very crowded here during the summer months. Traffic jams, slow drive and challenges with finding parking spots.

Days are usually warm (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

All hotels, lodges and campgrounds are open, high price and reservation need many months in advance.

Fall:

Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.

All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.

Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.

Winter:

Winter (Mid-December to Mid-March) transforms the park into a quiet, magical, snow-covered land.

The geyser's steam plumes are enormous.

Crowds are minimal.

Most interior park roads are closed to regular cars. You must travel into the park by a guided snowcoach or on a permitted snowmobile tour.

If you plan to visit Yellowstone in the winter, you will need to book a tour from one of the gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs (which is accessible by private vehicle year-round via the North Entrance).

The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.

You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.

Only the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and its cabins are open for overnight stays.

Spring:

Spring is a very short season in Yellowstone, practically in May and early June.

Some roads start to get open during end of April

Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.

Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.

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Tips and inputs:

Due note 1:

The Canyon area is one of the busiest in Yellowstone.

Arriving before 9:00am or after 5:00pm is the best way to secure parking and experience the overlooks with fewer crowds.

The parking lots along the drive are relatively large but except for a full and busy parking area, wait patiently for the next empty parking lot.

Due note 2:

Artist Point is generally best in the morning for maximum sunlight on the falls, while the North Rim viewpoints are often better in the morning. However, an early morning visit can reward you with a rainbow in the mist over the Lower Falls!

Due note 3:

Wear Proper Footwear: Even the short, paved trails can be slick with mist. For steep trails like Brink of the Lower Falls.

Due note 4:

Dress in Layers: Yellowstone's weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cool temperatures.

Due note 5:

There are no tourist facilities here and along the road. You can find all tourist facilities in the nearby Canyon Village.

This includes: gas station, large visitor center, general store, restaurants and gifts and accommodation (hotel and campground).

Due note 6:

Restrooms are located in all parking areas and view points.

Due note 7:

The canyon’s yellow, red, and pink colors are a result of the iron compounds in the rhyolite rock that have been hydrothermally altered and oxidized by heat and water from the geothermal activities.

The View Points Visit:

The viewpoints are located near parking lots on both sides of the Yellowstone Canyon rim.

I have dedicated blogs on discovering the north rim drive or how to hike a 6 mile loop trail covering all viewing points.

The south rim viewpoints are looking on the waterfalls from far away and provide the “grand” view and in contrast the north rim viewing points getting you right to the upper waterfalls edge.

You can definitely spend a fantastic full day exploring both the North and South Rims.

A typical visit to just the main viewpoints will be shorter and takes about 3-4 hours.

I will start my visit from the north rim early in the morning (preferably before 8:00am) because during mid-day the parking lots here can get full and it is challenging to find empty parking spots.

The South Rim Best Viewing Points:

The South Rim Drive is two-way and takes you to the Artist Point parking lot at the end of the road.

Artist Point (Lower Falls):

This is the best and most familiar photo spot of the Lower Falls.

You'll be situated across the canyon opening, looking at the 308-foot Lower Falls framed by the breathtaking canyon walls.

The perspective is sweeping and perfect for capturing the scale of the canyon and the waterfall.

This is an extremely easy, short paved walk from the parking lot. Perfect for everyone!

Upper Falls Viewpoints (Upper Falls):

This viewpoint offers a classic, frontal perspective of the 109-foot Upper Falls.

You're viewing it from above, across the river, providing a great sense of its width and power.

An easy, paved path just a short walk from the parking area.

The North Rim Best Viewing Points:

The North Rim Drive is one-way, making navigation a little simpler for hitting all the overlooks (Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Inspiration Point).