Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Artist Point
Iconic viewpoint on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, famous for the Lower Falls and colorful canyon walls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Artist Point
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic viewpoint on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, famous for the Lower Falls and colorful canyon walls.
"Almost hard to believe this place is real! What a stunning piece of nature! Awe inspiring and breath-taking!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at Artist Point fills fast. Try the Lower Falls lot and hike if needed.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Sunrise offers stunning light on the canyon and falls. Perfect for photography!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lower Falls Overlook
Artist Point
Witness the majestic 308-foot Lower Falls plunging into the vibrant Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Vibrant Canyon Walls
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Marvel at the alien-like rock formations and strange, colorful layers of the canyon walls.
South Rim Trail
Connecting Artist Point and Lower Falls
A scenic 3-mile round trip hike offering diverse perspectives of the canyon and falls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Artist Point
Time Your Visit for Stunning Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at Artist Point fills fast. Try the Lower Falls lot and hike if needed.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Sunrise offers stunning light on the canyon and falls. Perfect for photography!
👟 Hike the South Rim Trail
Enjoy a scenic 3-mile round trip for varied views. Good for active visitors.
👀 Look for Wildlife
Bison are often spotted near the roads leading to Artist Point.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at Artist Point fills fast. Try the Lower Falls lot and hike if needed.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Sunrise offers stunning light on the canyon and falls. Perfect for photography!
👟 Hike the South Rim Trail
Enjoy a scenic 3-mile round trip for varied views. Good for active visitors.
👀 Look for Wildlife
Bison are often spotted near the roads leading to Artist Point.
✨ Don't Miss the Colors
The canyon walls boast vibrant, strange colors. A true visual feast!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking, postcard-perfect views of the Lower Falls and the vibrant Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from Artist Point. The sheer scale, unique colors, and alien-like rock formations are frequently highlighted as awe-inspiring. However, the significant crowds and challenging parking situation are recurring drawbacks that can detract from the experience.
"Many, many people are always there. You will have to stalk the parking lots and look for people getting into their car and ask them if they are leaving. The walks to the lookout are very clean and well maintained. The lookouts are impressive. The depth is amazing, the colors are strange, rock formations alien, amount of water boggling. And there are 2 waterfalls, not just one. We also saw two Bison walking the roads as we drove there. There are multiple viewing sites, so you have to drive around, or you can walk the trails and stairs if you're able."
Peter Bartell
"Well, as the name suggests its literally like a post card photograph! Almost hard to believe this place is real! What a stunning piece of nature! Awe inspiring and breath-taking! Worth all the traffic and wait getting there!"
Shahedul Islam
"We hiked to Artist Point via the South Rim Trail, starting from the Lower Yellowstone Falls—about a 3-mile round trip. The Lower Falls parking area is larger compared to the smaller lot at Artist Point. There’s a bit of elevation gain from Lower Falls to Artist Point, so if hiking isn’t ideal for you, it’s better to park directly at Artist Point. The views are absolutely stunning, and I highly recommend visiting this spot."
Roshini Ganesh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Artist Point is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It's accessible by car, with a dedicated parking area. If the Artist Point lot is full, the larger Lower Falls parking area is a good alternative, followed by a hike along the South Rim Trail. +1
Yes, Artist Point offers a short, easy walk from its parking lot to the main viewpoint. The path is well-maintained and offers stunning views.
Absolutely! Artist Point is a drive-up viewpoint. However, parking can be very limited, especially during peak season.
From Old Faithful, you'll typically drive north towards Madison, then east on Grand Loop Road towards Canyon Village. Follow signs for the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Artist Point. The drive can take over an hour, so plan accordingly.
Yellowstone National Park does not typically offer direct shuttle services to specific viewpoints like Artist Point. Visitors usually drive their own vehicles or use park tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Artist Point is located within Yellowstone National Park, so you will need a valid park entrance pass to enter. There are no separate tickets required for Artist Point itself.
Artist Point is accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, road closures due to snow can affect access in winter and early spring. Always check the official NPS website for current conditions.
The cost is the standard Yellowstone National Park entrance fee, which is per vehicle and valid for 7 days. Check the NPS website for the most up-to-date fee information.
No, you cannot book tickets specifically for Artist Point. Entry is managed by the park entrance fees. Arriving early is the best strategy to secure a spot.
The main viewpoint at Artist Point is generally accessible, with paved paths. However, some areas might have stairs or uneven terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning is ideal for capturing the golden light on the canyon and Lower Falls, and for avoiding crowds. Late afternoon also offers beautiful warm light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the Lower Falls. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The main overlook provides the iconic postcard view. For different perspectives, consider walking along the paved paths or the South Rim Trail.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yellowstone National Park, including at Artist Point, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
The dramatic drop of the Lower Falls, the vibrant, multi-colored canyon walls, and the sheer scale of the landscape make it incredibly photogenic. 
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
For just viewing and taking photos, 30-60 minutes is usually sufficient. If you plan to hike the South Rim Trail, allocate 2-4 hours.
The primary attraction is the breathtaking view of the Lower Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The vibrant colors of the canyon walls are also a major draw.
Yes, restrooms are typically available at the Artist Point parking area.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be on your feet. Layers are recommended as weather can change quickly in Yellowstone. Sun protection is also advised.
Yes, you may be able to spot steam vents emerging from the canyon sides, adding to the geothermal wonder of the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and potential meltdowns. Pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited at the viewpoint itself. Consider the South Rim Trail if your children are up for a short hike, but be mindful of the elevation changes. Keep a close eye on children near the canyon edge, as there are no barriers in some areas.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Recommendations: Embrace the early morning for a more peaceful experience and excellent photography opportunities. Consider bringing a book or journal to enjoy the solitude if you visit during a quieter time. The trail offers a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery without the immediate crowds of the main overlook.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Key advice: Prioritize sunrise or late afternoon for the best light. Experiment with different focal lengths – wide-angle for the grand landscape and telephoto for the falls. A tripod is highly recommended for sharper images, especially in lower light. Be prepared for crowds, but patience can yield incredible results.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grandeur of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
+1This canyon is home to two major waterfalls: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The Lower Falls, plunging 308 feet, is the star attraction, particularly when viewed from Artist Point. The canyon's depth and width are immense, offering panoramic vistas that have inspired artists for centuries, hence the name 'Artist Point'.
Exploring the canyon involves various viewpoints along the North and South Rims. While Artist Point is arguably the most famous, other spots like Inspiration Point and Grandview Point offer different, equally stunning perspectives. The South Rim Trail connects many of these viewpoints, allowing for a more immersive experience for those who enjoy hiking.
Artist Point: A Photographer's Paradise
The best time for photography is undoubtedly during the golden hours – sunrise and late afternoon. Sunrise bathes the canyon walls in a warm, soft glow, minimizing harsh shadows and bringing out the rich colors. While sunrise offers tranquility and stunning light, late afternoon can also provide beautiful illumination. Many visitors recommend arriving early to secure a prime spot and enjoy the scene before the main crowds arrive.
When visiting, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panorama and a telephoto lens for detailed shots of the powerful Lower Falls. A tripod can be invaluable for low-light conditions, especially during sunrise or if you plan to stay after sunset. Remember that drone photography is prohibited within the park.
Navigating Crowds and Parking
A common strategy shared by visitors is to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 9 AM, to increase your chances of finding parking and experiencing the viewpoint with fewer people. Alternatively, parking at the Lower Falls parking area and hiking the South Rim Trail to Artist Point is a viable option, though it adds a few miles to your excursion. This also provides opportunities to see other viewpoints along the way.
If hiking isn't your preference, be patient and persistent in your search for parking. Some visitors suggest looking for cars that appear to be leaving and politely asking if they are departing soon. The short, well-maintained walk from the parking area to the overlook makes it accessible, but the parking situation is the main hurdle.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit