Sightseeing

Gibbon Falls

📍 Yellowstone National Park, 82190, Wyoming, United States of America

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3.5/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA, Wyoming
Category: Sightseeing
Opening Hours: Open with Yellowstone National Park, best May to October
Ticket Price: Yellowstone park pass required, private vehicle $35 for 7 days
Address: Yellowstone National Park, 82190, Wyoming, United States of America
Coordinates: 44.6485, -110.7737

Introduction

Gibbon Falls is an elegant and accessible waterfall in Yellowstone National Park, located along the western section of the Grand Loop Road. The falls drop about 26 meters and are named after the 19th century explorer and officer John Gibbon. Water cascades from gray-white volcanic rock walls into the clear Firehole River, surrounded by green pine forests and rolling mountains, forming a classic Yellowstone landscape painting. Unlike other Yellowstone waterfalls that require long hikes, the Gibbon Falls viewing platform is right beside the road, requiring only a few steps to see the full waterfall, making it a must-stop on a Grand Loop driving tour. The falls maintain abundant flow year round, with the most spectacular volume during spring snowmelt. The viewing platform also has a trail descending to the river below.

✨ Highlights

Roadside View

The viewing platform is right beside the Grand Loop Road, just a few steps to see the full falls

26 Meter Drop

Water cascades 26 meters from volcanic rock into the Firehole River with elegant force

Yellowstone Landscape

Green pines and rolling mountains frame the falls in a classic Yellowstone scene

Riverside Trail

A trail descends to the river below for different angles and refreshing mist

Morning Rainbow

Morning sunlight through the mist often creates rainbows, a photographer's favorite moment

🛈 Practical Info

→Access：Drive the western Grand Loop Road, the falls have a dedicated parking area

→Best Time：Early morning for the best light and fewest visitors, spring snowmelt has the most water

→Duration：About 30 minutes to 1 hour

→Location：Western Yellowstone, between Madison and Norris

→Opening Hours：Open with Yellowstone National Park, best May to October

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

💡 Tips

• The viewing area is roadside, pull completely into the parking area and watch for traffic

• The trail to the river can be slippery, wear grippy shoes, especially after rain

• Use as a must-stop on the western Grand Loop, linking with Lower Geyser Basin and Norris

• Early morning has fewer people and often rainbows, best for photos and quiet enjoyment

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Gibbon Falls?

Open with Yellowstone National Park, best May to October

How much is the admission for Gibbon Falls?

Yellowstone park pass required, private vehicle $35 for 7 days

Any practical tips for visiting Gibbon Falls?

The viewing area is roadside, pull completely into the parking area and watch for traffic The trail to the river can be slippery, wear grippy shoes, especially after rain