Yellowstone: Grand Canyon Rim & Loop Hike with Lunch

A loop that takes you past the Upper Falls, into the pines, and back with a guide who reads the trail like a map.

You hike a four to six-mile loop through Yellowstone's Grand Canyon, starting at the Upper Falls and moving through forest, past thermal features, and into Hayden Valley. Your guide carries bear spray, knows the trail junctions that confuse other hikers, and picks a lunch spot with a view. Breakfast snack, lunch, and all gear are included. You're back by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Yellowstone Upper Falls5m
2. Hayden Valley15m

Grand Canyon Rim Loop Hike

• Meet guide at Pavilion 8AM
• Begin hike at Yellowstone Upper Falls
• Stop at Artist Point for Lower Falls views
• Hike along Canyon Rim and forest trail
• Pass mud pots and steaming vents
• Break at Clear Lake for wildlife viewing
• View Hayden Valley and wildlife
• End hike along Yellowstone River near Upper Falls

The experience

"Most people see Artist Point and think they've done it," your guide will tell you at the Pavilion next to Upper Falls Parking Area when you meet at 8am. "Then they get turned around on the dirt trails and end up backtracking." This hike is built so you don't. The loop runs four to six miles depending on pace and stops. You start at the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, pass the 308-foot Upper Falls where the river begins its drop, then move into the forest where the crowds thin out fast.

After Artist Point, the trail shifts. You're walking through endless pines now, past mud pots and steaming vents that smell like sulfur and feel like you've stepped into another planet. The guide carries bear spray and binoculars, and they know the junctions where most hikers hesitate. You'll stop at Clear Lake to rest. The water is still, and if you're quiet, you might see wildflowers or wildlife at a distance. Then the trail opens into Hayden Valley, wide and exposed, where bison graze and the mountains touch the sky. The Yellowstone River comes back into view near the end, calm water turning to rapids before it drops over the Upper Falls again.

Lunch happens somewhere with a view. The guide picks the spot based on the day and the group. You get a sandwich (turkey, veggie, vegan, or gluten-free if you've told them ahead), an apple, nuts, and snacks. Before you start, there's hot coffee or tea. The gear is provided: bear spray, binoculars, trekking poles if you need them, and a backpack. The whole thing takes most of the morning and early afternoon. You need moderate fitness. It's not technical, but it's steady walking on uneven ground, and the elevation and distance add up.

What’s included

Your day includes a light breakfast snack and hot coffee or tea before you start, a professional guide who carries bear spray and knows the trail, binoculars and trekking poles, a sandwich lunch with options for turkey, veggie, vegan, or gluten-free diets, plus apples, nuts, and snacks. The guide also provides a backpack if you need one.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 May 2027

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet near the pavilion at the Upper Falls View Parking Area off of the South Rim Drive. Turn left off the Grand Loop Road on the South Rim Drive, 2 miles south of Canyon Village, toward Artist Point.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Yellowstone Hiking Guides

Is this one for you?Right for hikers with moderate fitness who want to move beyond the crowded viewpoints and understand how Yellowstone's canyon, forest, and valley connect. The loop takes four to six hours, which is what lets you see the Upper Falls, the rim, the thermal features, and Hayden Valley all in one morning.

Traveler reviews

4.84★★★★★★★★★★

416 verified traveler reviews

5 ★389

4 ★10

3 ★5

2 ★2

1 ★10

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What time does the hike start?

You meet your guide at 8am at the Pavilion next to the Upper Falls Parking Area.

How long is the hike?

Four to six miles as a loop, depending on pace and where you stop to rest or take photos.

What's included?

A light breakfast snack, hot coffee or tea before departure, lunch with multiple dietary options, bear spray, binoculars, trekking poles, and a professional guide.

Will we see wildlife?

The guide watches for bears and knows where to look. Hayden Valley and Clear Lake are common spots to see bison, wildflowers, and occasionally bears or wolves at a distance.

Is this hike difficult?

You need at least moderate physical fitness. It's not technical climbing, but it's steady walking on uneven terrain with elevation gain. Not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Tell the tour operator about allergies or dietary needs when you book. Sandwich options include turkey, veggie, vegan, and gluten-free.

Do I need to bring my own bear spray?

No, bear spray is provided by the guide.

Can I do this hike if I'm not very fit?

The tour requires at least moderate fitness. If you have cardiovascular concerns or spinal issues, it's not recommended.