Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a deep gorge carved by the Yellowstone River, with steep walls colored in shades of red and yellow from mineral deposits. The rock faces show bands of color created by thermal features and ancient mineral staining that give the canyon its striking appearance.

The canyon formed roughly 630,000 years ago following a volcanic eruption that created a caldera, which then filled with lava and sediment layers. River erosion gradually carved away at this material to shape the gorge we see today.

Native American peoples viewed this canyon as a sacred space where the waterfalls and hot springs held spiritual meaning tied to their traditions. This sacred significance remains part of the landscape's identity today.

Visitors can access the canyon via North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive, which have parking areas near viewpoints and overlooks. Wear sturdy shoes for walking, as paths are uneven and some trails wind downhill with steep sections.

The gorge contains two powerful waterfalls that continuously shape the rock and reveal new mineral colorations. The upper waterfall drops roughly 109 feet while the lower cascade plunges about 308 feet into the chasm below.

Location: Park County

Elevation above the sea: 1,828 m

GPS coordinates: 44.71667,-110.49667

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:04