Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Tours and Activities

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone featuring a cascade, a gorge or canyon and rapids
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone


Enjoy the mesmerizing views of waterfalls, a river and a variety of brightly colored rock formations in this iconic canyon, a national treasure.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is an awe-inspiring gorge with rock formations of pink and yellow hues and several immense waterfalls. The canyon, about 20 miles (32 kilometres) long, is a major highlight of Yellowstone National Park. Hike trails surrounding this spectacular gorge and enjoy exceptional vistas.

Find an ideal viewing platform and capture photos of the canyon’s colourful rocks, which formed due to chemical reactions from old hot springs and steam vents. Look closely to see wisps of steam. Gaze into the abyss, 1,200 feet (370 metres) deep in parts. Go to the platform of Lookout Point for scenic views. Grand View and Artist Point also offer excellent photo opportunities on either side of the gorge.

Among the most scenic features of the canyon is Lower Falls, a waterfall that drops 308 feet (94 metres) into the valley. Make your way to the Brink of the Lower Falls lookout area for the best views.

Bring food and drinks for a picnic in the shade of a tree, with the canyon serving as an idyllic backdrop. Hear the rush of water at Upper Falls, which plunges 109 feet (33 metres) to the canyon floor. In the heart of the valley flows the Yellowstone River, which begins in Yellowstone Lake to the south. Fish in the park for rainbow trout, brown trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

Learn about the geology and ecology of this landmark with a trip to the Canyon Visitor Education Centre in the nearby Canyon Village complex. Climb to the peak of Mount Washburn, starting from Dunraven Pass north of the canyon.

Note that the canyon formed due to erosion rather than glaciation. The Yellowstone River is gradually continuing the erosion process today.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is in the northwestern corner of the state of Wyoming. It is part of Yellowstone National Park, which is best traversed by car. View the park’s geysers and visit nearby landmarks, such as Yellowstone Lake and Grand Teton National Park. Watch for bison, elk and other wildlife while driving through the country’s first national park.

Plan a trip to see Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

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Anvil Hotel
The Alpine House
Snake River Lodge - Amenities at Sister Property

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Canyon Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

Canyon Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

3 out of 5
41 Clover Ln, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Canyon Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins - Inside the Park

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins - Inside the Park

3 out of 5
235 Yellowstone Lake Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins - Inside the Park
Lake Lodge Cabins - Inside the Park

Lake Lodge Cabins - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
459 Lake Village Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Lake Lodge Cabins - Inside the Park
Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

2 out of 5
100 Roosevelt Lodge Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park
Grant Village - Inside the Park

Grant Village - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
24 Rainbow Loop, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Grant Village - Inside the Park
Mammoth Hot Springs & Cabins - Inside the Park

Mammoth Hot Springs & Cabins - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
2 Mammoth Hotel Avenue, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Mammoth Hot Springs & Cabins - Inside the Park
The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, Ascend Hotel Collection

The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, Ascend Hotel Collection

3 out of 5
905 Scott Street W, Gardiner, MT
The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, Ascend Hotel Collection
Yellowstone River Motel

Yellowstone River Motel

2 out of 5
14 Park St, Gardiner, MT
Yellowstone River Motel
The Roosevelt Hotel - Yellowstone

The Roosevelt Hotel - Yellowstone

2.5 out of 5
1014 Scott St. West, Gardiner, MT
The Roosevelt Hotel - Yellowstone
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

At Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and fishing. Essential information includes options for Yellowstone trips and camping, along with a comprehensive camping guide. Don't miss the breathtaking waterfalls and consider planning overnight excursions to fully experience the park's stunning landscapes and natural beauty.

Shopping

For shopping near Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, visit Parks' Fly Shop for outdoor gear. If you're up for a drive, check out Yellowstone Outpost Mall, where you'll find a variety of family-friendly shops and local products, perfect for gifts and souvenirs.

Adventure

Uncle Tom's Trail offers a thrilling hike with stunning views, located 14.5km from the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Pelican Valley Trail, 19.3km away, showcases breathtaking scenery and wildlife. For a closer adventure, Mary Mountain Trailhead is a mere 3.2km away, providing immersive outdoor experiences.

Find the best attractions near Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, family experiences, or breathtaking landscapes, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone offers a variety of attractions to explore. Key highlights include the stunning Yellowstone Falls, the serene Yellowstone Lake, the winding Yellowstone River, and the majestic Grand Canyon itself. Don't miss out on the iconic geysers within Yellowstone National Park, making it a perfect destination for every type of traveller.

  • Yellowstone River: Just a stone's throw away, the Yellowstone River offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor vibes. It's perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics by the water, allowing you to soak in the beauty of nature.
  • Upper Yellowstone Falls: Located a short distance away, this lookout provides a romantic setting with a sense of adventure. Witness the majestic falls cascading down while enjoying panoramic views that are ideal for photography and creating memorable moments.
  • Lower Yellowstone Falls: Right at your doorstep, this stunning waterfall is a must-see. Its outdoor ambience combined with romantic and adventurous vibes makes it a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration.

Best time to go to Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The best time to visit Grand Canyon of Yellowstone can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grand Canyon of Yellowstone falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Grand Canyon of Yellowstone falls in December, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January13.6°F (-10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February14.5°F (-9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
March22.1°F (-5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowModerately Low
April27.9°F (-2.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
July59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighModerately High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainSunnyHighModerately High
September49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainSunnyHighAverage
October34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November22.1°F (-5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
December12.9°F (-10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowModerately Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

To save money on your trip to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, consider visiting free attractions like Lower Yellowstone Falls and Mud Volcano. Book your accommodation in the off-peak months of February, March, and December for lower rates, avoiding the high prices of June to August. Secure your booking about a month in advance, or check last-minute deals on Expedia. Fridays often offer the best rates, while Tuesdays are pricier. Leverage Expedia’s tools to find eco-friendly options and package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Grand Canyon of Yellowstone are February to March and December, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Grand Canyon of Yellowstone about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservations for the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.