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

A
Andréa week ago

The Upper Falls have a drop of approximately 33 meters, about a third of the height of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Nevertheless, it's well worth visiting the viewpoints and taking in the impressive waterfall. The sheer volume of water plunging over the cliff edge is breathtaking. The location in the heart of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is particularly beautiful. A worthwhile stop and a great addition to visiting the Lower Falls and Artist Point.

L
Lynn Browna week ago

Wow!! What a place to view the falls. Stunning scenery.

T
Tom K2 weeks ago

Great place to visit and take in the nature.

R
Ricardo Guerreroa month ago

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

D
David Halla month ago

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

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Design Your Day in Yellowstone: A Private, Customizable Tour from Cody72.3 mi
Cody, Wyoming

Design Your Day in Yellowstone: A Private, Customizable Tour from Cody

A private, up-to-10-guest day tour that lets you tailor an itinerary to geysers, hot springs and wildlife with expert interpretation and all essentials included.

72.3 miView Trips & Details →
Three Days Between Geysers and Peaks: A Private Cody-Based Excursion Through Yellowstone & Grand Teton71.0 mi
Cody, Wyoming

Three Days Between Geysers and Peaks: A Private Cody-Based Excursion Through Yellowstone & Grand Teton

A private, 3-day, 2-night tour departing from Cody that visits both the northern and southern halves of Yellowstone plus Grand Teton—this guide lays out the route, highlights, and practical facts.

71.0 miView Trips & Details →
Porch Pickup at the Irma: Collecting Your Rodeo Shirt (White) in Cody71.8 mi
Cody, Wyoming

Porch Pickup at the Irma: Collecting Your Rodeo Shirt (White) in Cody

This guide covers how and where to pick up the Rodeo Shirt (White) — at the Cody Trolley Ticket booth on the porch of the Irma Hotel — and what to know before you go.

71.8 miView Trips & Details →
Cody After Dark: A 50‑Minute Trolley Through Holiday Lights, Carols and Cocoa72.3 mi
Cody, Wyoming

Cody After Dark: A 50‑Minute Trolley Through Holiday Lights, Carols and Cocoa

A concise guide to Cody Trolley Tours’ seasonal, 50‑minute holiday lights ride—what to expect, who it suits, and the practical facts you need to plan.

72.3 miView Trips & Details →
Yellowstone Walking Safari — East: A Private Day of Trails, Thermal Secrets and Waterfalls72.3 mi
Cody, Wyoming

Yellowstone Walking Safari — East: A Private Day of Trails, Thermal Secrets and Waterfalls

A private, guide-led walking safari out of Cody that gets you off the boardwalks and into Yellowstone’s wild backcountry on a 6–11 hour customizable day in the park.

72.3 miView Trips & Details →
Pick Up on the Irma Hotel Porch: Cody Trolley’s 6"x4" Oval Sticker71.8 mi
Cody, Wyoming

Pick Up on the Irma Hotel Porch: Cody Trolley’s 6"x4" Oval Sticker

A concise guide to collecting your Cody Trolley Tours merchandise at the Irma Hotel ticket booth and what to know before you arrive.

71.8 miView Trips & Details →