Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch
Yellowstone National Park, USAby Yellowstone Hiking Guides
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
- Up to 14 travelers
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guide: English
Viberest eSIM
Stay connected in USA
Overview
The Grand Canyon Rim Hike is one of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park. This hiking tour is a loop. Your tour guide will watch for bears and answer your questions along the way. Not only do we hike along the Rim of the Canyon, but also through the forest to lakes, mud pots, and meadows. Your guide knows the trail and trail junctions, where many hikers get confused. Your guide also knows the good spots to stop for photos, resting, and lunch with a view.
What's included
- A light breakfast snack
- Bear Spray, Binoculars, Trekking Pole, Backpack (if necessary)
- Professional guide
- Hot coffee/tea/cocoa before the trip departs
- Sandwich, apple, nuts, snacks (Turkey/Veggie/Vegan/Gluten Free Options) *Please notify YHG with any food allergies or dietary restrictions*
- Entrance Fee to Yellowstone National Park, $35 per vehicle, good for one week
- Please bring 2 liters of water per person
- Rain jacket and fleece layer
- Gratuities
Itinerary
- 1
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
3 hours
Your expert guide will meet you at the Pavilion next to the Upper Falls Parking Area at 8AM. The hike is a 4 to 6-mile loop. The hike is along the Canyon Rim, then through the endless pine forest out to Ribbon Lake. After that, we pass a thermal basin, Clear Lake, and the Hayden Valley. If you hike one trail in Yellowstone this should be it!
- 2
Upper Falls
5 min
We begin our hike seeing the Yellowstone's Upper Falls. This is the beginning of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
- 3
Artist Point
15 min
We will stop by Artist Point for views of the Lower Falls along the Yellowstone River. This is a must see when in Yellowstone. The 308 foot falls is surrounded by the colorful canyon. The area can be a little crowded, but it's worth it! After viewing the falls, we leave the crowds behind and hit the dirt trail.
- 4
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
1 hour
After leaving Artist Point, we hit the dirt trails. We hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for more colorful views. We turn off in to the forest for a walk through endless pines before hiking past mud pots and steaming vents.
- 5
Stop 5
30 min
We take a break at Clear Lake to soak in the serenity. We often see wildlife and wildflowers.
- 6
Hayden Valley
15 min
We see the Hayden Valley from the trail with wide open views of mountains touching the sky. This is a wonderful spot to see bison, as well as the occasional bear or wolf, at a distance.
- 7
Yellowstone River
45 min
We end our hike along the Yellowstone River taking in views of calm waters becoming rapids before descending over the Upper Falls.
Meeting and pickup
Meet near the pavilion at the Upper Falls View Parking Area off of the South Rim Drive. Turn left off the Grand Loop Road on the South Rim Drive, 2 miles south of Canyon Village, toward Artist Point. After crossing over the Yellowstone River on a bridge, turn left at the 'Canyon Views' sign.
End point
Meet near the pavilion at the Upper Falls View Parking Area off of the South Rim Drive. Turn left off the Grand Loop Road on the South Rim Drive, 2 miles south of Canyon Village, toward Artist Point. After crossing over the Yellowstone River on a bridge, turn left at the 'Canyon Views' sign.
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Stay online in USA — from the moment you land in Yellowstone National Park
- Maps, translation & messaging — no roaming fees
- Install by QR in minutes, keep your own number
- Delivered to your email right after checkout
More things to do in Yellowstone National Park
View all
ToursFull-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
Yellowstone National Park, USA
10 hours
10 hoursFree cancellation
from $269
ToursLower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful
West Yellowstone, USA
8 hours
8 hoursFree cancellation
from $248
ToursUpper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch
West Yellowstone, USA
8 hours
8 hoursFree cancellation
from $248
ToursYellowstone National Park Private Wildlife Tour
Yellowstone National Park, USA
8 hours
8 hoursFree cancellation
from $1,000
AttractionsYellowstone National Park Group Tour
Yellowstone National Park, USA
10 hours
10 hoursFree cancellation
from $376
Bookings are made with our partner Viator. Viberest may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
from $182per person
Date & travelers on Viator