Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Uncle Tom's Trail
is one of the region's largest parking areas and offers the best views
of the Upper and Lower Falls. Uncle Tom's Trail itself is a steep route that descends 500ft
to the base of the Lower Falls. The trail was constructed in 1898 by early park entrepren-
eur Uncle Tom Richardson, who would lead tourists across the river and down a series of
trails and rope ladders for views of the falls and a picnic lunch. Sadly the rope ladders are
now a thing of the past (Tom's permit was rescinded in 1903), but the 328 metal steps still
descend three- quarters of the way into the canyon.
The park service once turned down an application to build an elevator here that would
whisk tourists down to the canyon floor, though you may wish they had changed their
mind as you make the tough return climb. Rangers lead a 1-mile stroll from here at 3pm,
as well as a longer 3-mile walk at 9am.
Artist Point
is probably the most famous of the canyon's viewpoints. It was not, as
many people assume, named for the spot where Thomas Moran sketched his famous land-
scape of the falls (a copy of which is on display in the Canyon Visitor Education Center).
It was actually named by the park photographer FJ Haynes for its superlative scenic
views. Rangers give short talks here six times a day, with the 10am talk aimed at kids.
From Artist Point a trail leads 1 mile to
Point Sublime
for more fabulous views of the
canyon walls. The 4-mile (two-hour) round-trip hike to Ribbon Lake branches off from
here.
CANYON TO LAKE
South of Canyon Junction, the Grand Loop Rd winds 16 miles down to Lake Yellowstone
via the excellent wildlife-watching opportunities of the Hayden Valley and the interesting
Mud Volcano. This section of road makes for a good two-hour bike ride, though as always
you'll have to watch out for the traffic.
HAYDEN VALLEY
The Yellowstone River is broad and shallow as it meanders gently through the vast grass-
lands of Hayden Valley, named after the expedition leader whose 1871 survey led to the
establishment of the park the following year. This former lakebed was formed in the last
ice age when a glacial outburst flooded the valley, turning the region into an arm of Yel-
lowstone Lake. The fine silt-and-clay soil of the former lakebed prevents water from per-
colating into the ground, making the area marshy and impenetrable to most trees. This
supports the rich shrubs and grasses favored by bison.
The Hayden is the largest valley in the park and one of its premier
wildlife- viewing
areas. With patience you're likely to see coyotes, springtime grizzlies, elk and lots of
bison, plus one of the largest fall ruts. Birdwatching is equally good, including white pel-
icans and trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes (also at Alum Creek), ospreys, bald eagles and
