Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

From the Brink of Upper Falls viewpoint you can witness the power of the Yellowstone River as you watch millions of gallons (liters) of water plunging 109 feet (33 meters).

From the brink, notice the solid walls of rock on each side of the river. About 484,000 years ago, this rock was hot, molten rhyolite lava oozing across the land. Today, Upper Falls cuts through this hardened lava flow.

Welcome to Brink of Upper Falls

Trail to the Brink

For a close-up view of Upper falls, follow the trail to the brink, abut 200 yards (183 m) from here. On the lower part of the trail, you will encounter numerous steps.

Alternate Viewpoint

If you prefer a trail with gentle grades, begin following the trail to the brink. Above the steps, turn right. Follow the paved trail a short distance and watch for a “bird’s eye” view of the falls through the trees. This trail is wheelchair accessible.

Stay safe! Do not leave trails or overlooks!

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I walked out on a rock and made two steps at the same time, one forward, the other backward, for I had unawares, as it were, looked down into the depths or bowels of the earth into which the Yellow[stone] plunged as if to cool the infernal region that lay under all this wonderful country of lava and boiling springs.

A. Bart Henderson, Prospector

Diary, 1867

This exhibit made possible by a generous grant from The Yellowstone Association

Marker can be reached from Brink of Upper Falls Turnout 0.3 miles east of Grand Loop Road.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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