Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park Canyon Village

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Favorite Trails of Mine

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Varrious Water Falls in the Park

Canyon Village History

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Canyon Village

Lower Falls

Canyon Village

The area around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone could have been made into a National Park of it's own due to the sure beauty of the area. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone has been a very prominent place in the history of Yellowstone National Park.

The early explorers talked quite about the colors of the canyon. I mean who can believe that the Canyon has the reds, yellows and browns with out seeing it for themselves. But on the famous Hayden Expedition of 1871 the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone became famous in Washington. This was due to a painting that Thomas Moran did of the Canyon and Lower Falls. (Originally called the Great Falls). Today this painting is still hanging in Congress.

This helped bring people to Yellowstone so that in the 1930's plans were started to enlarge the Canyon area and move it away from the canyon rim. But it was not until 1956 that those ideas were realized. This was the first phase of a planed three phase project in Yellowstone National Park called Mission 66. This was to have Yellowstone ready for 2 million visitors by 1966. This meant the removing of the Canyon Lodge, General Store, Gas Station , Haynes Picture Shop, Ranger Station and Campground. The first thing that was moved was the campground and the last was the Haynes Picture Shop. The new project was the creation of Canyon Village with the U shaped design.

Also located at Canyon was a rather large hotel. This hotel was first completed in 1891 but then it was remodeled in 1910-1911 by Robert Reamer. Now most people thought that this Grand Canyon Hotel was a new hotel rather then just a hotel that had been remodeled and enlarged. To give you an idea of the size of the building it was 1 mile around at the base, while Old Faithful Inn is 1/4 of a mile at the base. As buildings go this one was a gorgeous building set in a great location. But the building was not kept up properly and the foundation started to give way and the interior of the building was falling apart. So the Yellowstone Park Company (the owners of the building) determined that it was going to cost way to much money to fix the hotel. The Yellowstone Park Company sold the rights to demolish the Hotel for $25.00. And in the process of the hotel being torn down the building burned in August of 1960. It was not until two years later that the building's foundation was covered up and the rest of the materials removed from the site. Many people were sorry to see the building go even the Park Service because that meant a loss for 700 people to stay in the park.

So you can see that Canyon has a rich history to be a National Park of its own not only in it's beauty of the Canyon but also in the human history as well.


What to see at Canyon

  • Upper Falls - These falls are best seen from Uncle Tom's Point on the South Rim. But if you want to be at the brink of the falls go to the Brink of the Upper Falls. These falls are 109 feet high. And that bridge you see in the background from Uncle Tom's is Canyon Bridge. Today it is only used for foot and bicycle traffic.
  • Crystal Falls - This is a seldom seen waterfall that can be seen from Uncle Tom's Point but the Upper Falls are what most people see here. The falls are 84 feet high.
  • Lower Falls - The Lower Falls were once called the Great Falls. These falls are 308 feet high. These are th famous falls that are hanging in Washington. Lower Falls are one of the two main sites to see in Yellowstone the other one being Old Faithful.
  • Inspirtation Point - Inspiration Point provides a good view of the colors up and down the canyon. There is a view of the Lower Falls but it is not that good. In August of 1975 there was an earthquake that registered a 7.1 on the Ricter Scale that took out part of the platform so at one time it did extend further.
  • Grand View - This view point on the North Rim provides a good of the canyon as well as a couple of Osprey nests. The falls are not visable from this point.
  • Lookout Point - Lookout point provides a good view of the Lower Falls. You can also see ospreys from this point. This is also where you can pick up the Red Rock Trail.
  • Red Rock Trail - This trail is located at Lookout Point. The Rock Trail takes one about 1/4 the way down into the canyon and provides a good view of the Lower Falls.
  • Brink of the Upper Falls Trail - This trail located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone provides a unique prospective of the Yellowstone Canyon. The trail takes one down to the top of the Lower Falls and on the walk down the Upper Falls can also be seen but at no time can both the Upper and Lower Falls be seen. If doing this hike take water.
  • Brink of the Upper Falls - The Brink of the Upper Falls is just off the main road between Lake and Canyon. This is a short hike with a few steps (57 if I remember correctly) where one is at the brink of the Upper Falls. This trail also provides one with the view of the rapids above the falls. The trail was once the main road for autos and before that stage coaches. Just down the trail is the Canyon Bridge this is the bridge that you see from Uncle Toms Point it's not the Chittenden Memorial Bridge that you drive across the Yellowstone River on.
  • Artist Point - Artist Point is the famous place for taking a picture of the Lower Falls. The best way to view this sight is to walk down the trail and do not turn around to take a look over your left shoulder but keep walking. Then go up the stairs to the upper platform then take a look up stream at the Lower Falls. By doing it this way it will save film because by walking by the other two view points to begin with on your way back you can now enjoy these views rather then taking another picture. And yes the site is handicapped accessable exept for the upper platform but there still is a great view from the Lower Platform. I prefer taking my pictures from here.
  • Uncle Toms Point and Trail - This is a great view for seeing the Upper Falls and also Crystal Falls (see above). The bridge that you see from here is the Canyon Bridge not the Chittenden Memorial Bridge. Now Uncle Toms Trail takes you half way down into the canyon. This trail is mostly on metal stairs there are 386 steps (if I remember correctly). This is a very demanding trail but the view is worth all the effort. So I highly recommend it at one point I tried to do it at least once a week.
  • Hayden Valley - Hayden Valley is one of my favorites not only because you can see bear quite frequently but because of the size of this valley it is 26,000 acres or so and the bison just love being on the road and causing bison jams. White Pelicans, Sandhill Cranes, Eagles, Coyotes, elk and deer can also be seen in the valley. There are not really any good trails it is most just see it from the road.
  • Mount Washburn - This is one of the three maned lookout towers in Yellowstone. Mt Washburn is the most accessable. There are three different route to get to the top. The Dunraven Pass and the Chittenden Road are both three miles in lenght to get to the top. The other is on the Howard Eaton trail to the Washburn Spur Trail which is 8 miles with the last two miles straight up the hill. Going by Dunraven or Chittenden is the best way and can be done in 4 to 5 hours depending on how fast you walk up and how much time you spend up there.
  • Washburn Hot Springs - This group of hot springs and mud pots can be seen from the road going up from Canyon to Tower. It is a backcountry hot springs group that can be reached by the Howard Eaton Trail. The pullout on the road provides a great view not only of the hot springs but the Canyon can be seen in the distance.

    Hikes in the Canyon Area

  • North Rim Trail - To best start this tail park at Glacier Bouler walk down the road to inspiration point and pick up the trail there. The trail follows the North Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It passes by Grand View, Lookout Point and Red Rocks Trail, takes you part way down Brink of the Lower Falls, over the top of Crystal Falls, the Brink of the Upper Falls, over Canyon Bridge and ends at the Chittenden Memorial Bridge where the South Rim Trail begins.
  • South Rim Trail - The best place to park here is at the Wapiti Picnic area just after crossing the Chittenden Memorial Bridge. The trail follows the Yellowstone River down stream. It passes Uncle Toms view point of the Upper Falls, Uncle Toms Trail into the Canyon, by an osprey next, and ends with the classic view of Lower Falls at Artist Point.
  • Silver Cord Cascade - The Trail to Silver Cord Cascade trail begins at Glacier Boulder on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The trail is the Howard Eaton trail and the cascades are about 1 mile down the trail. These cascades plunge about 1500 feet from the canyon rim to the Yellowstone River.
  • Seven Mile Hole - The start of the trail is at Glacier Boulder. The trail follows the Howard Eaton trail for about three miles then starts the two mile decent into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Along this trail you see Silver Cord Cascade and on the decent thermal features. Make sure that you have plenty of water for the return trip. We Rangers like to say five miles down 35 miles back out. It is named Seven Mile Hole bacause it was seven miles from the Ranger Station that was situated at the Brink of the Upper Falls.
  • Ribbon Lake - The starting point for Ribbon Lake is best at Artist Point. Go to see the Falls but stay on the mountain side and the trail is at the far corner of the lower viewing platform. This is only about a 1 to 2 mile hike back to Ribbon Lake and is a nice hike. This is also where Silver Cord Cascades makes it's plunge into the Yellowstone River. It can be made into a loop hike by following the signs to Clear Lake then to Wapiti Picnic area then on the South Rim Trail to Artist Point.
  • Clear Lake - The best starting place for the Clear Lake trail is at Uncle Toms Parking area but can also be started at the Wapiti Picnic area and Artist Point. This is about a 2 mile trail back to Clear Lake. Along the trail are a few mud pots so be sure and stay on the trail when going past these thermal features.
  • Mary Mountain Trail - The Mary Mountain trail starts at the Northern end of Hayden Valley. this trail is mostly through the sage lands of Hayden Valley but at the far end of the valley it does get into the lodgepole pine trees. The trail is a lot of going up and down across the small hills. In the early summer the trail can be quite wet and hard to follow since the bison use this area quite a bit and make numerous game trail. One always needs to be on the watch for bears as they prefer this type of habitat. But for the most part bears are not seen much on this trail. Other hazards include what I call Floating Grass. This is grass that when first walked on feels like you are walking on a water bed then all of a sudden gives way and you are up to your armpits in a sinkhole. These areas can be quite dangerous so do not leave the trail.
  • Cascade Lake - The Cascasde Lake trail can either be started about 1/2 mile west or 1/2 mile north of Canyon Junction. This is a flat 2.5 mile hike one way back to cascade lake. This is a great trail to possibily see elk and deer but beware that bears are always in the area and to be alert at all times. This is a great flat trail so everyone can do it.
  • Greebe Lake - To get Back to Greege Lake you could start at Cascade Lake Trail head but will be much shorter if started between Norris and Canyon (look for the sign). This then is a 3.5 to 4 mile hike back to Grebe Lake on an old service road that was used when there was a fish hatchery located here. Today it is famous for the Grayling fishing This is the best place in Yellowstone to catch grayling. It too is a flat hike as well.
  • Mount Washburn - The best starting point for Mount Washburn is either at the Chittenden Road or at Dunraven Pass. Here the trail is about 3 miles one way with a 2000 foot climb. For most people the hike is done in 4 to 5 hours. On the hike many different types of alpine plants and flowers can be seen and there is always a good chance of spotting the bighorn sheep that are on the mountain during the summer months. This is one of the three manned lookout towers located in Yellowstone National Park but this is one of the most accessable mountains in the park. Even President Clinton, Hillary and Chelsey went up there in 1996.

    Services in the Canyon Area

  • Canyon Lodge - Run by Amfac - Open Summer only
  • Canyon Dining Room - Run by Amfac - Open Summer only
  • Canyon Cafeteria - Run by Amfac - Open Summer only
  • Canyon Snack Shop - Run by Amfac - Open Summer only
  • Fountain Shop - Run by Hamilton - Open Summer only
  • General Store - Run by Hamilton - Open Summer only
  • Nature Shop - Run by Hamilton - Open Summer only
  • Gas Station - Run by Amfac and Hamilton features Conoco Gasoline - Open Summer and Winter
  • Canyon Campground - Run by Amfac - Open Summer only
  • Visitor Center - NPS - Open all year
  • Post Office - Open Summer only

    David Rothenburger Remember...
    • To stay on the trails near the canyon.
    • There is no hiking in the Canyon due to the softl rock in the canyon.
    • When hiking in the area be sure to have plenty of water as well as insect repelant.
    • To say hi to Pete Jackson.
    • Check our my Canyon Village History Page.

    Yellowstone National Park
    PO Box 168
    Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
    307-344-7381

    Entire contents & copy;1997-2001,2002,2003 David Rothenburger (Parkee@worldnet.att.net).

    You are the to visit my site since December 8, 1999.

    Last Updated Jan 15, 2003

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