Uncle Tom's Trail

A metal staircase with 328 steps descends the canyon wall toward a viewing platform of the Lower Yellowstone Falls, covering 0.2 miles.

Uncle Tom Richardson established this trail in 1898, initially using rope ladders to guide visitors down the canyon walls for close views.

The trail represents early tourism development in Yellowstone National Park, marking a transition from primitive exploration to structured recreational access.

The trail requires strong physical condition due to its elevation of 8000 feet and steep climb, particularly challenging during the return ascent.

Visitors can observe rainbows forming over the 308-foot Lower Falls during summer afternoons from the observation platforms along the staircase.

Location: Wyoming

Inception: 1898

GPS coordinates: 44.71580,-110.49500

Latest update: March 5, 2025 03:31