Pros & cons
PROS
- Short, easy walk to two overlooks with big-water views
- Bonus views of Crystal Falls and the old canyon bridge
CONS
- Uncle Tom’s Trail (the stairway) is closed with no reopening timeline
- Midday can be crowded; parking fills later in the day
Overview
This South Rim stop near Uncle Tom’s Point gives you a front-row look at the thundering Upper Falls carving into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The historic Uncle Tom’s Trail—those famous steel stairs down toward the Lower Falls—has been closed for several seasons, but the Upper Falls viewpoints remain an easy, worthwhile stop.
What You’ll See
Two short paths lead to overlooks with commanding views of the Upper Falls and the churning Yellowstone River below. From the left-hand overlook you can also spot Crystal Falls tucked in a side canyon, plus the old canyon bridge on the far rim.
On-the-Ground Details
Park at the Uncle Tom’s/Upper Falls area and follow the signed, mostly short walks to the railings. There are restrooms by the parking area, though they can be closed seasonally, and there’s typically no running water at the viewpoint itself. Expect well-kept paths with a few gentle ups and downs. Most visitors spend up to about 20 minutes here.
Best Time to Visit
Crowds swell late morning through midafternoon; go early (around 7–8 am) for easy parking, calmer viewpoints, and better breathing room for photos. Late day also eases up compared to the midday peak.
Pair It With
While the stair descent is closed, you can still stitch together a great canyon circuit: continue along the South Rim toward Artist Point for classic Lower Falls vistas, and then hop to the North Rim for the Brink of the Lower Falls or Inspiration Point to see the canyon from different angles.
Need-to-Know
- Uncle Tom’s Trail remains closed with no announced reopening—stick to the signed overlooks.
- Facilities and trail segments can change with the season; check current conditions day-of at the park’s official channels and posted signage.
Where it is
44.7147, -110.4972Tips for Uncle Tom's Upper Falls Viewing Area
- 01Arrive before 9 am for easy parking and thinner crowds.
- 02Head to the left-hand overlook to spot Crystal Falls and the old bridge.
- 03The stair descent (Uncle Tom’s Trail) is closed—plan on overlook-only views.
- 04Restrooms may be closed seasonally; bring water and use Canyon Village for full services.
- 05Combine this stop with Artist Point or North Rim viewpoints for varied canyon angles.
Amenities
Near Uncle Tom's Upper Falls Viewing Area
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayClear Lake TrailShort loop mixing lakes, meadows, canyon views, and hot springsEasy · 4.6 mi · 2.5 hr
0.2 mi awayBrink of the Upper FallsUp-close perch beside the river’s 109-foot dropParking · Scenic Viewpoint
0.2 mi awayBrink of the Upper Falls TrailStand at the lip of Upper Falls on a short, paved strollEasy · 0.3 mi · 15 min
0.2 mi awayYellowstone FallsTwin waterfalls framed by dramatic canyon viewpointsParking · Restroom
0.2 mi awayUpper Yellowstone FallsThundering drop into the canyon with easy viewpoints on both rimsParking · Restroom
0.2 mi awayLower Yellowstone FallsYellowstone River’s 308‑foot plunge framed by a painted canyonParking · Scenic Viewpoint
0.2 mi awayBrink of the Lower Falls TrailShort, steep paved drop to stand at the roaring brink of Lower FallsModerate · 0.7 mi · 30 min
0.5 mi awayRibbon Lake and Clear Lake LoopHydrothermal lakes and canyon-rim views on a mellow loopModerate · 6.1 mi · 3 hr
