South Rim
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
The South Rim is our favorite way to view the incredible Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, providing a variety of stunning views back to the falls. Descending on Uncle Tom's Trail is a spectacular trip down near the Lower Falls. You simply must do this hike if in Yellowstone.
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Route Description for South Rim
This is an exceptional hike, and offers the option to extend by linking up with the hike from Artist Point to Sublime Point. Take care with children, as this hike has cliffs that are not protected by fences. Also, don't go too close to the edge of cliffs, as these are constantly crumbling.
From the parking lot walk towards the toilets and take the path heading off to the left, into the trees. This path will stretch through the forest and take you to a fine view of Upper Yellowstone Falls. From here you'll leave the ridge top and walk through forest until you reach a junction with Uncle Tom's Trail. This trail is a steep metal stairway descent to a viewpoint near the base of the Lower Yellowstone Falls.
Don't head down Uncle Tom's Trail just yet. Instead, continue ahead along the trail and through the forest. The trail is dangerous, thus be sure to take care. You’ll come to repeated viewpoints that provide exceptional scenery up and down the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Prepare to be overwhelmed.
After 1.9 km you will come to the parking lot for Artist Point – a must-see while in Yellowstone. You can continue along the parking lot and take in the Artist Point and then remain on the trail along to Point Sublime, however that makes a longer day than some would like.
Return from Artist Point along the same path. The scenery is just as spectacular as you get views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the falls.
Now is the time to descend to Uncle Tom's Trail. This is a steep, vertigo-inducing staircase. Go slow, hold the handrail and don't try to take photos while walking. The views from here are amongst the most spectacular in Yellowstone, and improve as you descend.
There is a small viewing area at the bottom of the trail, after which is the steep climb out. Once back at the trail, head right and return to your car.
Insider Hints for South Rim
- Save Uncle Tom's Trail for the end, it's the highlight.
- You can combine this trail with the hike from Artist Point to Point Sublime.
- Head over to Canyon Village afterwards for a celebratory ice cream at the Canyon Village General Store.
Getting to the South Rim Trailhead
From Canyon Village, head south on Grand Loop Road for 3.4 km. Turn left on South Rim Drive and proceed for 1.0 km and turn left into the parking lot.
Route Information
South Rim Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Clear Lake and Artist’s Point Loop
- The Howard Eaton Trail via the Wapiti Lake Trailhead
- Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake, and South Rim Trail
- Clear Lake and Artist’s Point Loop via the Wapiti Lake Trailhead
- Wrangler Lake Trail
- Canyon Rim South Trail to Point Sublime
- Brink of the Upper Yellowstone Falls
- North Rim Trail to Red Rock Point, Lookout Point and Grand View
- Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point
- Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Artist’s Point Trail
- North Rim Trail to Yellowstone Falls, Crystal Falls, and Inspiration Point
- Brink of the Lower Falls