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.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
more
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome to come, if you don’t know who to bring come alone this is a great mixer event! This is an event hosted by Big Sky OUT as we work to provide queer safe spaces throughout the community.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Cowboy Coffee
25 Town Center Ave. Big Sky, MT 59716