South Rim Trail

The South Rim Trail is an easy 1.9 mile hike along the jaw-dropping Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park. Along the way it offers countless scenic vantage points of the canyon, and while it has some inclines and declines along its route, it’s still considered an easy trail.

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South Rim Trail Description

The South Rim Trail can be hiked from either end, but this writeup was written beginning near the Wapiti Lake Trailhead and heading east. The trail officially begins at the South Rim Road bridge that crosses the Yellowstone River. Look for it to descend into the woods along the south side of the river.

You’ll quickly begin winding through the woods as you parallel the dazzling river. As you make your way down a quick descent, the old Chittenden Bridge will come into view across the river. There are many stunning vantage points to enjoy before making a quick ascent back up as you begin to veer away from the river.

Just up the trail is a short spur that leads to Discovery Point. This breathtaking vista features a gorgeous view of the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River as the canyon begins to deepen. Continuing up the easy paved trail, you’ll begin to hear more of the roar of Upper Falls even through the trees.

Twisting past a meadow, you’ll quickly reach the Upper Falls Overlook. This captivating view will be more crowded since there is a parking area nearby, complete with restrooms if needed. Regardless, it’s certainly a spectacular sight to behold, the Chittenden Bridge visible above the falls.

The trail will continue twisting through the woods as the first glimpse of the Lower Falls and the brighter part of the canyon come into view. You’ll make a series of easy switchbacks through the woods where you reach a junction that leads back to the parking area and main road. Proceed left to zig and zag through the woods, reaching your first overlook of the Lower Falls and the bright colors of the rhyolite lining the canyon walls.

Continue winding along the forested rim as you go up and down small hills. Reaching another overlook, the vivid colors become even more apparent, the iron and sulfur staining the rhyolitic lava rock red and yellow, respectively, as the 308-foot Lower Falls pours tremendously into the canyon.

After some exceptional abundant views, you’ll make a quick series of switchbacks up. While they may seem steep, they are, at least, brief. You’ll reach a high point along the rim where you’ll then make a short descent through the woods to another overlook. Maintaining a steady descent, you’ll find gorgeous views along the way before reaching the terminus of the trail at the Artist Point parking lot. When ready, head back out the way you came in.

Getting There

From Canyon Village, head south along the Grand Loop Road for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto South Rim Road and after crossing the Yellowstone River, turn right into the Wapiti Lake Trailhead parking lot.