Name: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch
SKU: 23667P1
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (416 reviews)

WizardTrip

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch

4.8(416)· Yellowstone National Park· By Yellowstone Hiking Guides

Free cancellationLikely to sell out

From

€165per person

1 to 14 travelers per booking.

Choose a date.

About the activity

The Grand Canyon Rim Hike is one of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park. This hiking tour is a loop. Your tour guide will watch for bears and answer your questions along the way. Not only do we hike along the Rim of the Canyon, but also through the forest to lakes, mud pots, and meadows. Your guide knows the trail and trail junctions, where many hikers get confused. Your guide also knows the good spots to stop for photos, resting, and lunch with a view.

What's included

✓A light breakfast snack
✓Bear Spray, Binoculars, Trekking Pole, Backpack (if necessary)
✓Professional guide
✓Hot coffee/tea/cocoa before the trip departs
✓Sandwich, apple, nuts, snacks (Turkey/Veggie/Vegan/Gluten Free Options) *Please notify YHG with any food allergies or dietary restrictions*

What is not included

✕Entrance Fee to Yellowstone National Park, $35 per vehicle, good for one week
✕Please bring 2 liters of water per person
✕Rain jacket and fleece layer
✕Gratuities

Itinerary

1
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Your expert guide will meet you at the Pavilion next to the Upper Falls Parking Area at 8 AM. The hike is a 4 to 6-mile loop. The hike is along the Canyon Rim, then through the endless pine forest out to Ribbon Lake. After that, we pass a thermal basin, Clear Lake, and the Hayden Valley. If you hike one trail in Yellowstone this should be it!
· 3 h· Admission not included
2
Upper Falls
We begin our hike seeing the Yellowstone's Upper Falls. This is the beginning of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
· 5 min
3
Artist Point
We will stop by Artist Point for views of the Lower Falls along the Yellowstone River. This is a must see when in Yellowstone. The 308 foot falls is surrounded by the colorful canyon. The area can be a little crowded, but it's worth it! After viewing the falls, we leave the crowds behind and hit the dirt trail.
· 15 min
4
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
After leaving Artist Point, we hit the dirt trails. We hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for more colorful views. We turn off in to the forest for a walk through endless pines before hiking past mud pots and steaming vents.
· 1 h
5
We take a break at Clear Lake to soak in the serenity. We often see wildlife and wildflowers.
· 30 min
6
Hayden Valley
We see the Hayden Valley from the trail with wide open views of mountains touching the sky. This is a wonderful spot to see bison, as well as the occasional bear or wolf, at a distance.
· 15 min
7
Yellowstone River
We end our hike along the Yellowstone River taking in views of calm waters becoming rapids before descending over the Upper Falls.
· 45 min

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking

Meeting point and return

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.

After crossing over the Yellowstone River on a bridge, turn left at the 'Canyon Views' sign.

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.

After crossing over the Yellowstone River on a bridge, turn left at the 'Canyon Views' sign.

Meet at 8 AM at the Upper Falls View Parking Area. There are two latrines in the parking area, and a pavilion near the Upper Falls. (Also sign for Canyon Views.)

From Canyon Village: The trailhead is 3.4 miles from Canyon Village (8 minutes). From the four-way stop in Canyon Village, go south on Grand Loop Road toward Yellowstone Lake.

You will encounter the North Rim Drive and the Brink of the Upper Falls roads first. STAY STRIAGHT.

Turn left on SOUTH RIM DRIVE (your next left turn). This is the road toward Artist Point.

You will know this is the correct road because there is a massive bridge over the Yellowstone River.

You will cross over the Yellowstone River on this bridge and proceed 0.7 miles.

Turn left into the Upper Falls View Parking Area (also signs for Canyon Views). This is a large parking lot with latrines and a pavilion.

From West Thumb Junction: The trailhead is 34 miles (1 hour and five minutes) from West Thumb Junction if you are coming from the south.

Follow the Grand Loop Road (Highway 20) north along the lake and through the Hayden Valley.

The turn for the South Rim Drive will be a right hand turn shortly after leaving the valley.

If you hit Canyon Village you have gone too far.

Comfortable walking shoes required

Rain jacket and fleece layer required

Bottled water required

Don't forget your cameras, smiles, and sense of adventure!

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Activity options

Grand Canyon Rim Hike

Duration

6 h

How to prepare for your experience

Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a rain jacket and fleece layer.
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Be prepared for potential wildlife sightings.
Arrive at the meeting point on time.

Discover the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on an unforgettable guided hike.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 23667P1

Activity offered by Yellowstone Hiking Guides via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Active travelers
Nature enthusiasts
Wildlife lovers
Photography buffs

Activity essentials

Hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Explore forests, lakes, mud pots, and meadows
Expert guide to navigate and spot wildlife
Includes a delicious lunch with a view
Small group size for a personalized experience

Yellowstone National Park: good to know

Elevation: 2,470 m
Currency: United States dollar
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, B · 120 V
Emergency number: 911
Capital city: Washington, D.C.

Average temperatures

-12°Jan
-11°Feb
-7°Mar
-3°Apr
4°May
9°Jun
15°Jul
14°Aug
9°Sept
1°Oct
-7°Nov
-12°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meeting point for the hike?

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. After crossing over the Yellowstone River on a bridge, turn left at the 'Canyon Views' sign.

What should I bring for the hike?

Comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket and fleece layer, and at least 2 liters of water per person are required. Don't forget your cameras!

Is the entrance fee to Yellowstone National Park included?

No, the entrance fee to Yellowstone National Park ($35 per vehicle, good for one week) is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What kind of lunch is provided?

A sandwich, apple, nuts, and snacks are provided. Turkey, Veggie, and Vegan/Gluten Free options are available. Please notify YHG with any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Reviews

4.84.8(416)

5 stars

389

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Maddy was the best guide to Grand Canyon. Perfect day.
WorldTrvl831, October 2026
We booked 2 tours with this company and they both made our visit special. We had Maddy to Grand Canyon and she was so enthusiastic and engaging. We were able to see some beautiful views that most visitors don’t see. This was a perfect day with Maddy.
★★★★★Viator review
Wonderful sights that...
Thomas_m, October 2026
Wonderful sights that change from the falls, to woodlands, to a beautiful meadow. Then lunch in a wooded picnic area. Then a walk on the river above the waterfall and back to the waterfall again. A great and knowledgeable guide as well!!! It is by no means strenuous. I brought walking sticks as I am a senior my, but I hardly ever needed them.
★★★★★Viator review
This was one of our...
Alicia_T, September 2026
This was one of our favorite activities we did in Yellowstone. Rory was a great guide. The hike was challenging but she made sure we had enough time to catch our breath if we needed to.
★★★★★Viator review
Amazing views....
Rae_J, September 2026
Amazing views. Informational guide. Totally exceeded expectations! Lunch was fabulous and generous (I saved half for another meal!)
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
SEE MORE WITH AMAZING HIKES
debbiepW829IS, September 2026
Rory made the hike fun and I felt safe. It was such an enjoyable experience talking to Rory and having her lead the way. I also signed up for the Fairy Falls and Grand Prismatic Hike and Rory was my guide again and it was equally enjoyable. Loved every minute of it!

2 activities · United States

Yellowstone National Park, United States, has 2 activities, tours and experiences to book. Also worth exploring nearby: West Yellowstone, Gardiner.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in Yellowstone National Park

2 in the catalogue

Selling fast

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch

from €165★ 4.8

Top pick

Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour

from €244★ 4.9

All activities · Yellowstone National Park · 2

02Explore nearby

Nearby cities

2 cities

West Yellowstone

Gardiner

Frequently asked questions about Yellowstone National Park

What is there to do in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park has 2 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch », « Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour ».

What are the top-rated activities in Yellowstone National Park?

According to traveller reviews: « Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour » (4.9/5, 785 reviews) ; « Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch » (4.8/5, 416 reviews).

What is there to visit near Yellowstone National Park?

Close to Yellowstone National Park: West Yellowstone, Gardiner.