Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point

Route Description for Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point

The Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point is an essential route to check out on your visit to Yellowstone National Park. This trail gets extremely busy, especially in the summer at the height of tourist season. We suggest heading out on this hike early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Alternatively, you can check out this trail in the evening when most folks have cleared out for the night. This route travels over uneven terrain; proper hiking footwear is strongly recommended for this one. Don't forget a water bottle and a snack too. The last thing you will definitely want to pack is a camera; Artist Point is one of the most photographed points in all of Yellowstone National Park, and for good reason, the view from this overlook is stunning.

The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River is one of the largest tourist attractions in Yellowstone National Park. At 94 m, the Lower Falls claims the title of “highest volume waterfall in the American Rocky Mountains”. Considering that these falls are almost twice the height of Niagara Falls, it is no wonder that they attract such crowds. This mighty feature cuts through the pastel landscape of the Yellowstone Canyon with impressive force, and the view of this spectacle from the Artist Point overlook is second to none.

To hike the Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point, begin at the Clearwater Lake Parking lot. Just across from the parking lot, check out the picture-perfect view of the Upper Falls from Uncle Tom’s Overlook. From Uncle Tom’s, continue just 0.3 km along the South Rim Trail to the Lower Falls. Head down and check out the Lower Falls before continuing along the South Rim Trail for another mile to Artist Point.

Artist Point is a great place to stop and appreciate the spectacular beauty of Yellowstone Canyon and the Lower Falls. Take a moment to snap some photos and soak in the incredible views before heading back to the trailhead where you began.

For a different view of Yellowstone Canyon, check out the North Rim Trail just across the river.

Trail Highlights

Upper Falls

The Upper Falls of Yellowstone National Park is an impressive 34 m tall waterfall along the Yellowstone River.

Lower Falls

Located along the Yellowstone River, The Lower Falls is the largest waterfall in Yellowstone National Park and the waterfall with the largest volume in the American Rocky Mountains. Standing 94 m tall, almost twice the height of Niagara Falls, it is no wonder that this natural feature is the second most photographed attraction in Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest waterfall in Yellowstone?

The largest waterfall in Yellowstone National Park is the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Why is it called Yellowstone?

The Yellowstone River was named by the Indigenous Minnetaree Peoples who called the river Mi tse a-da-zi (“Yellow Rock River”) after the yellow-ish rock that lines the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Insider Hints for Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point

• This trail is short but give yourself lots of time to enjoy the incredible views along the route
• Bring a set of binoculars and see if you can spy osprey and bald eagles swooping through the canyon
• For a slightly longer hike in the area with views of the Upper Falls, check out the Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Artist Point Trail