Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Canyon Village is the starting point for any trip into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where you’ll find a visitor center, lodges, campsites, fuel, and restaurants. From Canyon Village, the falls can be explored via the North Rim or South Rim—do both if you have the time.

Some combination of driving and hiking will get you to every overlook, and they’re all worthwhile. If you don’t want to deal with traffic, nearly every Yellowstone tour includes a stop here; consider booking a tour that leaves quite early, as the canyon is known for its wall-to-wall crowds on warm, sunny days.

• There’s one way to get to the bottom of the canyon—the Seven Mile Hole Trail, a strenuous 10.2-mile (16.4-kilometer) round trip.

• Park at the lots for Lookout or Grand View for accessible trails.

• Restrooms can be found at almost every overlook.

• Wear solid hiking or tennis shoes—you’re bound to do some walking.

If you’re driving, head to Canyon Village—signs for the falls will be everywhere. If you head for the North Rim, you’ll get access to Lookout Point, Brink of the Lower Falls, and Inspiration Point; if you head for the South Rim, you’ll see Uncle Tom’s Point and Artist Point. If the park is extra busy, find a parking space in any lot and walk to the various viewpoints.

In summer, when Yellowstone sees tens of thousands of visitors every day, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone feels more about crowded parking lots and packed overlooks than nature and views. Come as early or as late as possible in summer; the colder and cloudier the day, the more elbow room you’ll have.

In winter, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is virtually crowd-free: Most of the park’s roads are closed to standard vehicles, and the falls are only accessible via snowcoach or snowmobile tour. Imagine having this popular national park and its best views almost all to yourself—sharing, of course, with the local wildlife.