Yellowstone
A day at Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon
Published
6 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Christine Gianas Weinheimer YELLOWSTONE FOREVER
Yellowstone National Park’s impressive collection of geysers and hot springs sets it apart from all other parks. But despite Old Faithful Geyser’s status as Yellowstone’s most famous feature—or perhaps because of it—many first-time visitors are unexpectedly astounded by the dramatic beauty of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
The massive, 1,000-foot-deep canyon dazzles visitors with panoramic vistas of multi-hued rock walls and majestic waterfalls. Roughly 20 miles long, the canyon varies in width from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. Several miles of trails connect 10 primary overlooks that afford breathtaking views from both sides of the canyon.
With a diverse selection of walking and hiking trails, and learning opportunities for the whole family, it’s easy to spend an entire day in this extraordinary area of the park. Here’s how to get the most out of your day at the canyon.
Take a Hike
The best way to experience the canyon’s charm is to hike one of the many trails along the canyon rims, from short jaunts to all-day treks. Here are a few of our favorites:
Point Sublime trail (easy):
After visiting the Artist Point overlook, follow the South Rim Trail beyond Artist Point to this less-traveled path, which meanders along the canyon rim.
Distance: 1.3 miles from Artist Point to Point Sublime
Brink of the Lower Falls trail (moderate):
Descend 600 feet on a steep trail to get an up-close and personal view of the Lower Falls.
Distance: 0.7 miles, round-trip
Seven Mile Hole trail (strenuous):
You’ll want to commit a whole day to this trail—the only one that leads to the canyon bottom.
Distance: 10.2 miles, round-trip
View the canyon and falls
While some views of the canyon and falls are only accessible by trail, you can still get to the following overlooks by car and a short walk from the parking lots on paved, accessible walkways.
Brink of the Upper Falls: Access this viewing area just off Grand Loop Road south of Canyon Junction, between the entrances to North and South Rim drives.
From North Rim Drive: View the Lower Falls from Lookout Point, Grand View, and Inspiration Point. Both waterfalls are visible from Brink of the Lower Falls. From South Rim Drive: See the Upper Falls from two viewpoints at Uncle Tom’s Point. View the Lower Falls at Artist Point.
Several of the canyon overlooks and trails, originally built in the 1930s, are being rehabilitated with support from Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park.
Have fun learning
Discover the geology, wildlife, and history of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone through one of many opportunities provided by the National Park Service.
Interactive and multimedia exhibits at the Canyon Visitor Education Center, funded by Yellowstone Forever, explore a fascinating park feature: the Yellowstone supervolcano. Relax and watch the 20-minute film Land to Life, or browse a variety of educational items in the Yellowstone Forever Park store.
Several free, ranger-led walks and talks also occur throughout the day. For families with children, the self-guided Junior Ranger and Young Scientist programs are offered for a nominal fee at the Canyon Visitor Education Center. Check the park newspaper for schedules and program details.
Be an early bird
Because of the canyon’s popularity, plan to arrive as early in the day as possible. You’ll not only avoid the peak crowds, but you’ll also be rewarded with ideal lighting for photographing the canyon. Before heading out, check the park newspaper or website or inquire at any park visitor center about trail closures, construction updates, and current road conditions.
Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Learn more at yellowstone.org.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during their regular Toddler and Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:15 a.m. The free program, presented by the Bozeman Symphony is especially for children ages 3 to 5. Children will be able to listen to Montana Shakespeare in the Parks actor Emma Rather, who will be joined by Bozeman Symphony Bassoonist Sam Macken. The goal of the program is to encourage a love of music, literacy, and discovery. Additional programs are scheduled at the Library on April 10 and June 12. For more information, visit www.bozemansymphony.org or call 406-585-9774.
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