Uncle Tom's Trail Yellowstone National Park
A steep, historic staircase descending into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, offering unparalleled views of the Lower Falls. Currently closed for ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Uncle Tom's Trail Yellowstone National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A steep, historic staircase descending into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, offering unparalleled views of the Lower Falls. Currently closed for safety.
"The closure of Uncle Tom's Trail is a massive disappointment, but the alternative views are still worth the visit."
Check Trail Status First
Uncle Tom's Trail is closed. Always check NPS for current trail conditions before you go. :informationdeskperson:
Bring Water & Snacks
If any trails are open, be prepared for exertion. Stay hydrated and fueled. :water_wave: :apple:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 326 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Witness the vibrant colors and powerful cascades of the Yellowstone River carving through the canyon.
Lower Falls Viewpoints
Artist Point, Inspiration Point
Iconic overlooks offering dramatic vistas of the Lower Falls, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Upper Falls View
Near Upper Falls parking
A different perspective of the Upper Falls, showcasing its raw power and beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Status & Safety
Alternative Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Status First
Uncle Tom's Trail is closed. Always check NPS for current trail conditions before you go. :informationdeskperson:
Bring Water & Snacks
If any trails are open, be prepared for exertion. Stay hydrated and fueled. :water_wave: :apple:
Explore Alternative Viewpoints
Artist Point & Inspiration Point offer incredible views of the falls. :camerawithflash:
Dress in Layers
Yellowstone weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cooler temperatures. ☁️
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Status First
Uncle Tom's Trail is closed. Always check NPS for current trail conditions before you go. :informationdeskperson:
Bring Water & Snacks
If any trails are open, be prepared for exertion. Stay hydrated and fueled. :water_wave: :apple:
Explore Alternative Viewpoints
Artist Point & Inspiration Point offer incredible views of the falls. :camerawithflash:
Dress in Layers
Yellowstone weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cooler temperatures. ☁️
Wildlife Safety
Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, especially bison and bears. 🐻 🦌
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors express significant disappointment over the closure of Uncle Tom's Trail, a beloved and iconic part of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. While the trail's closure is a major drawback, many acknowledge the necessity for safety and appreciate the stunning alternative viewpoints like Artist Point and Inspiration Point, which still offer breathtaking experiences of the falls and canyon.
"Okay, you decide to do this trail, despite warning signs of the stairs. Take it slow. It's a great trail, but be prepared to take some time coming up. There are a few benches to sit on if you can find room. Make sure you have water with you.
It's well worth the effort to do this trail if you're able. Seeing the rainbow below you is amazing. Feeling the power of the falls in front of you, exhilarating! Completely out of breath, difficult. Completing this trail, bragging rights to friends, really great!"
Sue Hathaway
"Actually did not hate this place. But this trail was closed. After reading so many reviews and seeing the pictures of the staircase, the closure was a massive disappointment to say the least. I am sure park officials had good reason to close it, but disappointment nevertheless. I still believe two things can be done, I am not sure if there is an app or site that provides the updated information but this was not mentioned on the NPS Yellowstone website. Also, prompt work should be done to reopen this trail as many tourists were looking for it and it is one of the major attractions of the park. In fact, all trails leading to the brink of the upper falls were closed so whatever safety reasons there are, work should be done as soon as possible to resolve them.
With that being said, if I ever get a chance to revisit this beautiful park, I would definitely cross this off my list and update the review. Furthermore, we were able to visit the artist point, brink of the lower falls and the inspiration point which made visiting the canyon/falls area worth it. I will review the other spots separately."
Umair Yaqub
"Normally a fantastic trail to take with an amazing, up-close view of the falls! Unfortunately, it was closed and in need of maintenance on this visit. We'll definitely be back for it again though!"
Brian Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Uncle Tom's Trail is located in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area, off the South Rim Drive. While the trail itself is closed, the general area is accessible by car. Parking is available near Artist Point and other overlooks. 🚗
Parking is available at nearby viewpoints like Artist Point. However, since Uncle Tom's Trail is closed, direct parking for the trail is not applicable. 🅿️
Yes, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area is generally accessible. Many viewpoints and some trails remain open, offering spectacular views of the canyon and falls. :world_map:
Driving to various overlooks like Artist Point, Inspiration Point, and Grandview Point provides excellent views. Some shorter, accessible trails may also be open. :road:
Uncle Tom's Trail is located within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is accessible via scenic drives like the South Rim Drive. :driving_car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Uncle Tom's Trail is located within Yellowstone National Park, which requires an entrance fee. However, the trail itself is currently closed. 🎟️
Uncle Tom's Trail is currently closed indefinitely due to safety concerns and is not open to the public. :closedlockwith_key:
The entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park applies. As of recent information, a 7-day pass for a private vehicle is $35. :moneywithwings:
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass covers entrance fees to all national parks and federal recreational lands for a year. :passport_control:
The official National Park Service (NPS) Yellowstone website is the best source for current trail status and alerts. 💻
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
No, Uncle Tom's Trail is currently closed due to safety concerns and structural issues with the staircase. Repairs are estimated to cost millions. 🚧
The trail's staircase has deteriorated and failed safety inspections. It requires significant repairs and is exposed to harsh winter conditions, making it unsafe for visitors. ⚠️
Artist Point offers a classic, panoramic view of the Lower Falls. Inspiration Point provides a different angle and is also highly recommended. :camerawithflash:
Yes, the parking area and observation point for the Upper Falls are typically open, offering a view of the Upper Falls. 💦
Bring plenty of water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and layers of clothing. Binoculars can enhance wildlife viewing. :hiking_boot: 🕶️
📸 📸 Photography
Artist Point is renowned for its iconic Lower Falls photos. Inspiration Point also offers stunning photographic opportunities. :camerawithflash: 
While Uncle Tom's Trail is closed, other viewpoints like Brink of the Lower Falls (when accessible) and the Upper Falls overlook allow for closer views and photos. :camerawithflash:
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be magical. 🌅 🌇
No, drone use is prohibited in all national parks, including Yellowstone, for safety and wildlife protection reasons. :noentrysign:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast canyon landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions. 📷
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit