Yellowstone Falls

Yellowstone Falls is a waterfall in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, where the Yellowstone River drops into the canyon below. The lower cascade falls 308 feet (94 meters) and forms the tallest such drop in the Rocky Mountains.

A French fur trader first saw the cascade in 1824 and returned several times in the following years. The canyon and its waterfall later became part of the world's first national park, established in 1872.

The name comes from yellow rock formations along the riverbanks, created by volcanic weathering over thousands of years. This distinctive coloring gave both the cascade and the entire national park its recognizable name.

Viewing points along the canyon road offer different angles of the drop, with some trails involving stairs and inclines. Early summer brings the most water volume, while autumn shows calmer flows.

The flow changes dramatically with the seasons, altering the entire character of the drop. Spring snowmelt sends water rushing through the canyon with enormous force, while autumn reveals a much quieter stream.

Location: Wyoming

Part of: Yellowstone River

GPS coordinates: 44.71799,-110.49604

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27