Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch

Yellowstone National Park , United States

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch

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(375 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Grand Canyon Rim Hike

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*

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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!

Stop 2

We begin our hike seeing the Yellowstone's Upper Falls. This is the beginning of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

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.

Stop 4

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.

We take a break at Clear Lake to soak in the serenity. We often see wildlife and wildflowers.

Stop 6

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.

We end our hike along the Yellowstone River taking in views of calm waters becoming rapids before descending over the Upper Falls.

What's not included

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

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

81 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

294 reviews

5★

273

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Important information

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

Meeting 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.

Important notes

Meet at 8AM at the Upper Falls View Parking Area. There are two latrines in the parking area, and a pavilion near the Upper Falls. (Also sign for Canyon Views.)

●From Canyon Village: The trailhead is 3.4 miles from Canyon Village (8 minutes). From the four-way stop in Canyon Village, go south on Grand Loop Road toward Yellowstone Lake.

You will encounter the North Rim Drive and the Brink of the Upper Falls roads first. STAY STRIAGHT.

Turn left on SOUTH RIM DRIVE (your next left turn). This is the road toward Artist Point. You will know this is the correct road because there is a massive bridge over the Yellowstone River. You will cross over the Yellowstone River on this bridge and proceed 0.7 miles. Turn left into the Upper Falls View Parking Area (also signs for Canyon Views). This is a large parking lot with latrines and a pavilion.

●From West Thumb Junction: The trailhead is 34 miles (1 hour and five minutes) from West Thumb Junction if you are coming from the south. Follow the Grand Loop Road (Highway 20) north along the lake and through the Hayden Valley. The turn for the South Rim Drive will be a right hand turn shortly after leaving the valley. If you hit Canyon Village you have gone too far.

• Comfortable walking shoes required
• Rain jacket and fleece layer required
• Bottled water required
• Don't forget your cameras, smiles, and sense of adventure!

About Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a vast wilderness area spanning three states, known for its dramatic landscapes, geothermal features, and abundant wildlife. It's home to the world's first national park and offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Old Faithful

Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in the world, known for its regular eruptions every 90 minutes. It's a must-see attraction in Yellowstone.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (park entrance fee applies)

Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the most photographed attractions in Yellowstone. Its vibrant colors are stunning.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (park entrance fee applies)

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America and offers stunning views, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Nature Half day to full day Free (park entrance fee applies); boat rentals and fishing permits cost extra

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a stunning canyon carved by the Yellowstone River, featuring waterfalls, colorful rock formations, and breathtaking views.

Nature Half day to full day Free (park entrance fee applies)

Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing, particularly for wolves, bison, and elk.

Nature Half day to full day Free (park entrance fee applies)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bison Burger

A delicious and sustainable alternative to beef, made from locally sourced bison. Served with various toppings and sides.

Lunch/Dinner Gluten-free and low-fat options available

Huckleberry Pie

A classic Yellowstone dessert made with locally harvested huckleberries, a sweet and tangy treat.

Dessert Vegetarian and gluten-free options available

Elk Stew

A hearty and flavorful stew made with locally sourced elk, vegetables, and spices. A must-try for meat lovers.

Dinner Gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Whitewater rafting Mountain biking Horseback riding Rock climbing Wildlife viewing Scenic drives Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and full access to all park facilities and attractions. Expect large crowds and book accommodations well in advance.

15-30°C (59-86°F) 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Other European languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but be aware of wildlife and natural hazards

Yellowstone is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of wildlife, geothermal hazards, and changing weather conditions. Always follow park regulations and guidelines for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Stay on designated paths and roads
• Be aware of wildlife and maintain a safe distance

Getting there

By air

West Yellowstone Airport • 2 miles (3.2 km) from park entrance
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport • 90 miles (145 km) from park entrance

By bus

West Yellowstone, Gardiner, MT, Cody, WY

Getting around

Public transport

Shuttles operate on a limited schedule and cover specific routes within the park. They are a convenient option for those without a car.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Old Faithful Area Canyon Village Lake Village Mammoth Hot Springs

Day trips

Grand Teton National Park

50 miles (80 km) from Yellowstone • Half day to full day

Grand Teton National Park offers stunning mountain landscapes, scenic drives, and excellent hiking opportunities. It's a great complement to a Yellowstone visit.

West Yellowstone, MT

2 miles (3.2 km) from Yellowstone • Half day

West Yellowstone is a charming town with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's a great place to stock up on supplies or enjoy a meal before or after visiting the park.

Gardiner, MT

50 miles (80 km) from Yellowstone • Half day

Gardiner is a historic town at the north entrance of Yellowstone, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. It's a great place to explore before or after visiting the park.

Festivals

Yellowstone Winter Festival • February Yellowstone Summer Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Carry bear spray and know how to use it, as wildlife encounters are common
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and year
Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance, especially during peak season
Follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the park's natural beauty