Majestic Upper Falls in Yellowstone
Adventure Destination

Majestic Upper Falls in Yellowstone

Visit the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River, featuring a stunning 109-foot drop. Easily accessible location near Cody, WY offers hiking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Best during spring and fall with lower crowds in September.

Waterfall ViewingEasy
Photo Gallery

Category

Waterfall Viewing

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Easy

About This Adventure Destination

The Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River in Wyoming is a breathtaking spectacle within Yellowstone National Park. Known for its thundering cascades, this natural wonder is uniquely positioned amidst lush forests and rugged cliffs. The falls plummet 109 feet, providing a powerful display of nature's force and beauty. Visitors are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with the nearby brink offering an up-close experience of its cascading waters.

What sets this location apart is its accessibility and the stunning vistas it provides. The falls are a prelude to the more famous Lower Falls, yet they stand out for their sheer volume and the vibrant green hue of the river. This part of Yellowstone, established as the first national park in 1872, holds a rich history marked by geological formations shaped over millennia. The Upper Falls area is also home to diverse wildlife, adding an element of surprise to each visit.

Key Features

  • Waterfall: 109-foot drop, significant for its power and proximity to viewers.
  • Natural Scenery: Surrounded by dense forest and cliffs.
  • Geological Wonders: Part of the world's first national park.

Majestic Upper Falls in Yellowstone

Adventure Guide to Majestic Upper Falls in Yellowstone

1

Activities Near Upper Falls

  • Highlights:

    Activities Near Upper Falls

2

1. Hiking the Brink of the Upper Falls

  • Details:

    Location: Near Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park.

  • Details:

    Highlights: Offers dramatic views from the top of the falls.

  • Details:

    Features: Easy trail, interpretive signs enhance the experience.

  • Details:

    Tips: Best visited in early morning. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

3

2. Wildlife Watching at Hayden Valley

  • Details:

    Location: South of the falls within the park.

  • Details:

    Highlights: Spot bison, elk, and occasionally bears.

  • Details:

    Features: Expansive meadows, prime for photography.

  • Details:

    Tips: Dawn or dusk visits maximize wildlife sightings. Bring binoculars.

4

3. Yellowstone River Picnic Areas

  • Details:

    Location: Along the river near the falls.

  • Details:

    Highlights: Relaxing spots with scenic views.

  • Details:

    Features: Picnic tables, restroom facilities.

  • Details:

    Tips: Pack a lunch, and watch for wildlife while enjoying the scenery.

5

Visitor Tips

  • Details:

    Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall; lighter crowds in September.

  • Details:

    Essentials: Sunscreen, camera, park map.

  • Details:

    Directions: From Cody, WY, take US-14 W to the park entrance (~2 hours).

6

Iconic Landmark Details

  • Overview:

    The Upper Falls is a must-see for nature lovers, representing the raw power and beauty of Yellowstone.

7

Category

  • Overview:

    Hiking

8

Rating

  • Overview:

    94

9

Rating Details

  • Overview:

    A stunning natural feature with excellent accessibility and unique geological relevance, making it an exceptional destination.

Reviews

Z
Zulfikar CEKICa month ago

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park! The view from Artist Point is incredible, with the vibrant colors of the canyon. The roar of the water is impressive and gives a real feeling of power. An emblematic site not to be missed.

M
Michael San Agustin4 months ago

Beautiful views. A must walk thru the paths to see them

敏
敏江戴（sunnymom）5 months ago

The Yellowstone Falls is divided into upper and lower levels. Not only is it beautiful from a distance, but the surrounding rock walls are mainly yellow in various colors. The abundant water volume and the roaring sound make the waterfall even more spectacular.

R
Rileyjo Henderson5 months ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

J
Jason Lovegrove5 months ago

Beautiful and stunning but not great view points but lower falls has a nice little hike you can take the dog on and a great view from.up top and down on the hike

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Adventure Destinations

View All Destinations →
Chasing Cascades: The Best Waterfall Hikes in Yellowstone 9.20 miModerate
Yellowstone National Park

Chasing Cascades: The Best Waterfall Hikes in Yellowstone

Explore thrilling waterfall hikes in Yellowstone National Park, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. With stunning views and abundant wildlife, these trails offer adventure seekers a chance to experience nature's raw beauty.

View Details →
Majestic Cascades at Brink Of The Upper Falls9.20.01 miEasy
Brink Of The Upper Falls

Majestic Cascades at Brink Of The Upper Falls

Visit Brink Of The Upper Falls in Yellowstone National Park for easy access to a stunning waterfall view. Enjoy hiking, photography, and seeing diverse wildlife like bison and eagles. Best experienced in late spring to early fall with convenient drive-in access.

View Details →
Magnificent Views: Upper Falls of the Yellowstone9.20.18 mi
Upper Falls View

Magnificent Views: Upper Falls of the Yellowstone

Explore Upper Falls at Yellowstone, part of a 109-foot waterfall, offering hiking and photogenic views. This famous site is accessible by car with abundant wildlife. Visit this iconic spot in spring or fall for the best experience.

View Details →
Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Rim to Backcountry: A Full‑Day Canyon Hike Through Yellowstone’s Layered Wilds2.17 mi
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Rim to Backcountry: A Full‑Day Canyon Hike Through Yellowstone’s Layered Wilds

A guided, 5–6 hour Canyon hike led by a professional wildlife biologist that visits Upper Falls, the south rim and multiple inland ecosystems while including a picnic lunch and complimentary photography.

2.17 miView Trips & Details →
Snowshoe into Yellowstone’s Winter Quiet: A Private, Guide-Led Backcountry Day from Cody8.18 mi
Cody, Wyoming

Snowshoe into Yellowstone’s Winter Quiet: A Private, Guide-Led Backcountry Day from Cody

A private, customizable 6–8 hour snowshoe outing from Cody into Yellowstone’s northern range led by an expert naturalist; this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

8.18 miView Trips & Details →
Dawn Among Wolves: Sunrise Wolf-Tracking in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley8.19 mi
Yellowstone Village, Wyoming

Dawn Among Wolves: Sunrise Wolf-Tracking in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley

A private half‑day winter outing into Lamar Valley at sunrise to search for wolves and other winter wildlife, led by an expert naturalist with high‑powered optics, hot beverages, and light snacks.

8.19 miView Trips & Details →
Tracking Yellowstone’s Wolves: A Four-Day Winter Window into the Northern Range8.19 mi
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Tracking Yellowstone’s Wolves: A Four-Day Winter Window into the Northern Range

A private, 4-day/3-night guided winter tour with BrushBuck Wildlife Tours that focuses on wolf-watching across Yellowstone’s northern habitats and supports a 100% military veteran–owned operator.

8.19 miView Trips & Details →
Golden Yellowstone Portraits — Sunset: Private portrait sessions in Yellowstone’s famed golden light8.26 mi
Yellowstone, Wyoming

Golden Yellowstone Portraits — Sunset: Private portrait sessions in Yellowstone’s famed golden light

A custom, 4–6 hour portrait photography outing that pairs a pre-shoot consultation and guided exploration with sunrise or golden-hour portraits and an edited online gallery.

8.26 miView Trips & Details →
Elemental Yellowstone: Steam, Stone and Wide‑Open Skies8.26 mi
Yellowstone, Wyoming

Elemental Yellowstone: Steam, Stone and Wide‑Open Skies

A private, full‑day (8‑hour) guided exploration of Yellowstone’s geothermal basins, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and wildlife‑rich Hayden Valley — a concise guide to what you’ll see and how to prepare.

8.26 miView Trips & Details →