Chasing Waterfalls: The Upper and Lower Falls of Yellowstone

There’s something about standing in front of a massive waterfall that makes you feel small in the best possible way — like nature is reminding you just how ancient, powerful, and alive it really is. Nowhere is that feeling more vivid than in Yellowstone National Park, where the Yellowstone River carves through the earth in dramatic fashion, giving us two of the most stunning waterfalls in the United States: the Upper and Lower Falls.

Tucked away in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — a gorge so colorful and surreal it looks painted — these two waterfalls aren’t just scenic pit stops. They’re heart-pounding, soul-stirring centerpieces of the park. If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone, trust me, this is where you want to pause, breathe deep, and let the thunder of falling water do its magic.

The Upper and Lower Falls of Yellowstone:

The Upper Falls

The Upper Falls come first. At 109 feet tall, they don’t boast the jaw-dropping height of their bigger sibling downstream, but they hit you with raw power. You’ll hear them before you see them — a deep, echoing roar that gets louder as you approach. There’s a trail called Uncle Tom’s Trail (a name with some complex history, but it’s what it’s still called) that leads you down into the canyon, via metal stairs and steep switchbacks, to a viewpoint that’s so close you can feel the mist on your face. It’s exhilarating and humbling all at once.

The water crashes over the ledge in a white fury, then regathers, steady and strong, as it rushes toward its next big drop. And that’s where things get epic.

Then, the Showstopper: The Lower Falls

The Lower Falls are the real showstopper — Yellowstone’s crown jewel. Standing at 308 feet, they’re nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls and easily one of the most iconic sights in the entire national park system. When you finally catch a glimpse of them from Artist Point — framed by the rainbow-colored canyon walls and the swirling ribbon of the river — it feels like stepping into a postcard.

If you're the adventurous type, take the hike down to the Brink of the Lower Falls. It's steep, no question, but it delivers an up-close view that few people get: the moment the river launches itself over the cliff’s edge and vanishes into the mist below. It’s the kind of view that makes your knees a little wobbly, but you won’t forget it.

When to Go and What to Expect

Spring and early summer are peak waterfall season. Snowmelt feeds the Yellowstone River, and the falls are at their most dramatic. Late summer is warmer and drier, while fall brings gorgeous foliage and a quieter, more contemplative vibe. Winter? That’s a whole different beast — the falls partially freeze, the canyon becomes silent and surreal, and access is limited but magical if you can make it.

Give yourself time to soak it all in. Don’t rush from viewpoint to viewpoint. Sit. Listen. Let the roar of the water and the smell of pine and stone wash over you. These falls have been doing this dance for thousands of years. You’re just lucky enough to witness a moment of it.

There’s a reason artists, writers, and adventurers have been drawn to this spot for generations. The Upper and Lower Falls aren’t just geological features. They’re experiences — bold, unforgettable, and alive. If Yellowstone is America’s first and greatest national park, then these waterfalls are its beating heart.

And honestly? Photos don’t do them justice. You’ve got to see, hear, and feel them for yourself. And when you're ready to make the trip, let Old Faithful and Friends help guide your way — from geysers to grizzlies, waterfalls to winding trails, Yellowstone’s wonders are all connected. Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifth, this park always has something new to show you — and the Upper and Lower Falls are the some of the best!