National Park & Nature

Upper Falls

📍 Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA

No photos yet

3.5/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA, Wyoming
Category: National Park & Nature
Duration: 30分钟
Opening Hours: North Rim road open late May to mid-October
Ticket Price: Yellowstone pass, $35 per private vehicle for 7 days
Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA
Coordinates: 44.7129, -110.4998

Introduction

Upper Falls is one of the two major waterfalls on the Yellowstone River as it carves the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in Wyoming, with a drop of about 33 meters. The falls plunge from the canyon rim, and the Yellowstone River carries minerals from upstream thermal areas that give it a distinctive golden hue, the very color that gives Yellowstone its name. Upper Falls and the more spectacular Lower Falls (93 meters) together sculpt the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a 300-meter-deep brilliantly colored canyon. Lookout Point and Red Rock Point on the North Rim are the best viewpoints, offering full views of the falls and the canyon profile; the historic Uncle Tom's Trail descends into the canyon for mist-close views. Upper Falls is shorter than Lower Falls but is the key to understanding Yellowstone geology and naming.

✨ Highlights

Namesake Golden River

Mineral-rich Yellowstone River glows gold here, the very color that gives Yellowstone its name.

33-Meter Drop

Upper Falls drops about 33 meters from the canyon rim in a powerful plunge.

Canyon Sculptor

Upper and the 93-meter Lower Falls together carve the 300-meter-deep Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Lookout Point

North Rim Lookout and Red Rock Points offer full views of the falls and canyon profile.

Uncle Tom's Trail

The historic Uncle Tom's Trail descends for mist-close views of the falls and canyon colors.

North Rim Drive

North Rim Road reaches multiple viewpoints; combine with Lower Falls and Artist Point.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time：June to September, morning with favorable light

→Transport：About 5 minutes drive from Canyon Village on North Rim

→Duration：About 1 to 1.5 hours across viewpoints

→Trail Note：Uncle Tom's Trail is steep and strenuous

→Opening Hours：North Rim road open late May to mid-October

→Ticket Information：Yellowstone pass, $35 per private vehicle for 7 days

💡 Tips

• Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Artist Point are all in the canyon; tour them in sequence.

• Morning light hits the falls and canyon walls head-on for the richest color.

• The trail is steep with steel stairs; if unsure, view from Lookout Point instead.

• Bighorn sheep and eagles are common; keep distance and never feed animals.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Upper Falls?

North Rim road open late May to mid-October

How much is the admission for Upper Falls?

Yellowstone pass, $35 per private vehicle for 7 days

Any practical tips for visiting Upper Falls?

Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Artist Point are all in the canyon; tour them in sequence. Morning light hits the falls and canyon walls head-on for the richest color.