Trek Yellowstone's South Rim Trail
The South Rim Trail at Yellowstone is one the most popular trails in the park. The trail runs along the mighty Yellowstone River. It offers excellent views and perches of Upper Falls. As you hike closer you’ll experience, feel and hear the waterfall as it crashes 109 feet over the cliff’s edge.
This South Rim Trail is an exceptional hike that offers you a couple different options for distance and entry points. We began our hike at Artist Point. Artist Point is a must do, can’t-miss view of Upper Falls that you simply can’t skip out on. From the parking lot, we hiked back towards the fall and created our own adventure with the kids.
The trails are wide and clear, but will narrow at points. The hike does have cliffs that are not protected by fences so be cautious of that if you’re hiking with kids. The trails will wind and stretch through the forest and you’ll encounter some steep inclines and declines. There are plenty of perches to take photos from or to rest on a log while sipping water and dreaming about ice cream.
There will be a junction where the trail splits for Uncle Tom’s Trail. Unfortunately, it was closed for us as it undergoes construction, so we didn’t get to experience it. If it’s open, the trail is a must-do, as you’ll descend down 328 metal steps to the base of Lower Falls. The views here are spectacular and will highlight your hike.
As you hike, be on the lookout for wildlife. We were fortunate enough to see a marten running on a log behind us when we stopped for drinks. Having never seen one before, it was an added plus. In all, the hike from Artist Point to Upper Falls View Point and back is two and a half miles. It’s a relatively easy hike that offers some incredible views and great experience for people of all ages.
Cost of Adventure
- Per vehicle: $35 (for 7 days)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total distance: 2.5 miles
- Calories burned: 300 – 500 calories
- Time suggested: 2 hours
- Family friendly: YES
- Park size: 2,219,789 acres
Challenge Yourself
The South Rim Trail is a scenic and enjoyable hike. While we capped our hike at 2.5 miles, you can take on the bigger challenge of hiking the entire 5-mile loop starting at Wapiti Lake Trailhead, over to Ribbon Lake Trail, around to Artist Point, onto South Rim Trail, then back to Wapiti Lake Trailhead parking lot.
Find Great Photo Ops
Along the South Rim Trail you’ll find many excellent photo ops. Seemingly at every twist and turn there is something that makes you want to take a picture that is Instagram worthy. Don’t forget to take it all in and enjoy the surreal experiences.
