Lookout Point Lower Falls North Rim Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park

Lookout Point, like Inspiration Point, is a panoramic overlook on the north rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Lookout Point offers a stunning view of the 308-foot Lower Falls tier of Yellowstone Falls. Similar to Inspiration Point, you may drive right up to Lookout Point or visit the overlook as a stop on North Rim Trail. The minimum distance to Lookout Point is 0.15 miles round trip with 25 feet of elevation gain.

From a parking area bordering North Rim Trail, pick up the walkway out to Lookout Point. Thirteen steps lead down to the lookout, making it an easy viewpoint to reach. Step up to Lookout Point, which has been a popular visitor destination for over a century. According to the National Park Service:

This was a popular lookout for many early visitors to the park. Noticing that it got regular visitation, in 1880 Superintendent P.W. Norris built a railing here and the location has been called Lookout Point ever since. It is likely that this was the superintendents preferred name for the spot. It had been called many things prior to 1880 including Point Lookout, Lookout Rock, Mount Lookout, and Prospect Point.

Lookout Point faces west up a deep canyon carved by the Yellowstone River toward a white gushing waterfall flanked by orange vertical walls. Out of sight, upriver from Lower Falls, there is a shorter upper tier of Yellowstone Falls.

Starting with the Upper Falls of Yellowstone Falls, The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River runs northeast for over 20 miles, carving a 1,000-foot deep gash in the pine-covered landscape. The north and south rims are separated by a mere 3/4 of a mile, with treacherously steep canyon walls painted in oranges, yellows and reds.

Lookout Point Lower Yellowstone Falls
Lower Falls from Lookout Point

In the canyon below Lower Falls, you will notice wooden steps extending down to a viewing platform just downstream from the falls. This is Red Rock Point, which can be reached from the same trailhead as Lookout Point but requires a much greater investment of energy. The sign at the traihead explains:

A steep descent to Red Rock will take you to the North Rim’s closest full view of Lower Falls. Please be prepared for steep grades, steps, and a rough surface. The rail descends rapidly—about 500 feet (150 m) in 3/8 mile (0.6 km). Wear sturdy walking shoes with good tread, and be prepared for a steep uphill return.

Lookout Point Lower Yellowstone Falls
Lower Falls from Lookout Point

To get more views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, you can head east from Lookout Point on North Rim Trail, reaching Osprey Point, Grand View Point, and eventually Inspiration Point. Each overlook is placed at a panoramic promontory along the canyon wall. There is an entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park, but no permit is required to visit Lookout Point on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From Canyon Junction, where Norris Canyon Road and Grand Loop Road meet, drive 1.2 miles south on Grand Loop Road and turn left (east) on North Rim Drive. Proceed 0.7 miles to a parking area for Lookout Point, which will be on the right.

Trailhead address: North Rim Drive, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Trailhead coordinates: 44.72152, -110.48788 (44° 43′ 17.47″N 110° 29′ 16.38″W)

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Photos

North Rim Trail YellowstoneNorth Rim Trail YellowstoneNorth Rim Trail YellowstoneNorth Rim Trail YellowstoneNorth Rim Trail Yellowstone

These photos were taken in August of 2011. Click to enlarge.
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Tagged with · Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone · National Parks · Waterfalls
Distance: 0.15 miles · Elevation change: 25 feet

2 Comments on Lookout Point on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park

  1. […] view of Lower Falls from Lookout Point, be sure to take the Red Rock Trail, seen below, all the way down! Tiny onlookers: Hike #3: Old […]

  2. john floyd wrote:

    Is the North Rim Drive recommended for a 55 passenger motor coach?

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