See the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River with a naturalist guide. Hike along the rim of a colorful canyon along uncrowded trails for a unique natural experience.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 6 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide: English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Peter – United States

Annmarie was SUCH a great guide! She obviously loves sharing her love and enthusiasm for Yellowstone, and was so knowledgeable about so many different things along the way!

Rick – United States

What an awesome small group hike! So much variety in scenery and the vistas were amazing. Our guide Karlie was outstanding. Incredibly knowledgeable, professional and catered the hike to our skill level and interests. She showed us a great "off trail" spots and pointed out all the wildlife and plants we came across. She made us feel safe at all times and provided us with all the necessities, including snacks, lunch, drinks, rain gear, bear spray and binoculars! After the 6-hour hike, Karlie went out of her way to help a group member track down a lost phone. I would highly recommend this hike! Thanks Karlie!

Itinerary

Starting location:
Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone: Upper Falls Viewpoints Parking Lot
Upper Yellowstone Falls
Coffee, Tea, Breakfast (10 minutes)
Optional
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Hiking
Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park
Sightseeing, Hiking
View point
Hiking
Secret stop
Hiking
Hayden Valley
Hiking, Wildlife viewing
Arrive back at:
Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone: Upper Falls Viewpoints Parking Lot

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Experience the thrill of a guided hike through unforgettable scenery
Discover the Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone RIver
Get off the beaten path with a local guide
Encounter views of the Upper and Lower Falls
See thermals, waterfalls, lakes, and valleys on a single hike

Full description

See the Upper and Lower Falls, Yellowstone's most iconic waterfalls, on this guided hike. Explore Yellowstone's outstanding natural beauty as you see thermals, lakes, and valleys.

Meet your guide at the Upper Falls Viewing Area on the South Rim Drive at 8 AM. Gear up with packs, trekking poles, binoculars, and bear spray while enjoying a morning snack and hot drink of coffee, tea, or cocoa.

Take in a brief safety presentation. Then, hit the trail for a hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

Hike to Artist Point for incredible views of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Marvel at Yellowstone's most famous waterfall which plunges for over 300 feet.

Continue off the beaten path in to Yellowstone's endless pines. Walk along Native trails through the old growth forests. Stop for a picnic lunch on the trail.

See a thermal area with mud pots and steam vents. Then hike along Clear Lake with views clouds reflecting off the turquoise waters.

Spot wildlife in the nearby Hayden Valley as you take in everything this environment has to offer.

Includes

Morning snack and hot drink
Binoculars
Backpack for your necessities
Trekking pole
Bear spray
Brown bag picnic lunch
Professional naturalist guide

Park entrance fees
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Water and rain jacket (required but not included)
Gratuities

Not suitable for

Children under 8 years
People with mobility impairments
People with heart problems
Wheelchair users
People over 80 years

Meeting point

Meet at the Upper Falls Viewpoint Parking Area off of the South Rim Drive. From Canyon Village: The trailhead is 3.4 miles from Canyon Village (8 minutes). Go south on Grand Loop Road toward Yellowstone Lake. You will encounter the North Rim Drive. Stay straight. Turn left on South Rim Drive (your next left turn). You will cross the Yellowstone River over a bridge and proceed 0.7 miles. Turn left into the Upper Falls Viewpoints Parking Area. If you arrive at a dead end (Artist Point), you've gone too far. From West Thumb Junction: The trailhead is 34 miles (1 hour and five minutes) from West Thumb Junction. Follow the Grand Loop Road (Hwy 20) north along the lake and through the Hayden Valley. The turn for the South Rim Drive will be a right-hand turn shortly after leaving the valley. If you're not staying inside the Yellowstone National Park, it takes approximately 1.5 hours of driving from West Yellowstone, MT, or Gardiner, MT to get to the meeting location of this tour.

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Water
Rain gear

Not allowed

Pets
Drones
Feeding animals
Climbing
Touching animals

Know before you go

This activity takes place rain or shine
The hike is at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet
The activity includes up and downhill sections along 6 miles of trail

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Loop Hike with Lunch

About this activity

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Select participants and date

Itinerary

Starting location:

Upper Yellowstone Falls