Uncle Tom's Trail Lower Falls Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park

If Uncle Tom’s Trail can be called a trail, then you can just as easily say you are going for a hike any time you take the stairs instead of the elevator. This Yellowstone National Park trail consists of over 300 steel steps built down the south wall of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River next to the park’s most impressive waterfall. The up-close views of Lower Falls are electrifying and this 0.7-mile round trip hike (with 500 feet of elevation loss) is as unique as they come.

A sign along the trail explains how the one-of-a-kind staircase came to be:

Shortly after 1900, “Uncle” Tom Richardson took visitors down into the Canyon along this trail. Originally with 528 steps and rope ladders, it now descends 328 steps or about 3/4 of the way down in to the Canyon for an excellent view of the Lower Falls.

Richardson ferried guests across the Yellowstone River to a safe landing above the Grand Canyon where they would hike along the canyon rim to a place where Richardson had constructed an innovative series of ropes and steps to convey adventurous tourists to the base of Lower Falls.

Tom Richardson’s route has been improved over the last century and a more significant (and rope free) staircase now clinging to the canyon wall, leading to a viewing platform just down the river from the massive 308-foot drop of Lower Falls.

Uncle Tom's Trail Yellowstone
Hiking down Uncle Tom’s Trail

Today’s visitors don’t need to cross the Yellowstone River in a rowboat and can drive right up to a large parking area for Uncle Tom’s Trail along South Rim Drive. You will begin with some stair-free hiking toward the canyon’s edge, reaching South Rim Trail a tenth of a mile from the parking lot. For additional hiking, follow this trail west for more views of the upper and lower tiers of Yellowstone Falls, or venture east toward Artist Point and the trail to Point Sublime.

Turn right, following the sign for Uncle Tom’s Trail toward another junction fifty yards ahead. Turn left and begin down Uncle Tom’s Trail.

After another fifty yards, you’ll reach a third junction with a spur trail breaking off to the left toward an overlook. The viewpoint, another fifty yards up a level spur, offers a nice view down the canyon away from the waterfall. You may wish to save this view for the hike back up, when you will be looking for a good excuse to catch your breath after climbing those 328 steps.

Below this last junction, Uncle Tom’s Trail stops being a walking trail and becomes a series of steep steps made of perforated steel (that way you can look straight through the stairs for an extra dose of vertigo). There is a railing to grab hold of on the riveting descent into the canyon. It is possible to get down the trail in just a few minutes, but remember that it will be a lot harder to hike back up the stairs, especially if you are not in great shape.

Uncle Tom's Trail Lower Yellowstone Falls
Lower Falls from Uncle Tom’s Trail

The daunting staircase wraps down the rocky canyon wall, reaching a viewing platform in a cluster of pines just below the powerful 308-foot waterfall framed by jagged orange rock walls. It is estimated that a minimum of 5,000 gallons of water flow over the waterfall each second during the dry fall season, and over 60,000 gallons per second fly over the Lower Falls during peak spring runoff. The waterfall creates a dense mist as it crashes to the bottom of the canyon. Water droplets collect on the sides of the canyon, creating streams that run back into the river. To get a sense of the waterfall’s magnitude, check out the miniature-looking humans standing on the viewing platform at the brink of the Lower Falls (which can be reached by hiking down from North Rim Trail). The bottom of Uncle Tom’s Trail delivers an intense view of Lower Falls, and you may even spot waterfalls forming in the mist.

Uncle Tom's Trail Lower Yellowstone Falls
A rainbow below the Lower Falls

Seeing a large and powerful waterfall this close up is sure to create a lasting impression. If you get winded hiking back up the stairs, simply spin around and take another picture of Lower Falls. Each steps delivers a slightly different perspective of the beautiful waterfall. Yellowstone National Park has an entrance fee, but no permit is required to hike Uncle Tom’s Trail, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From Canyon Junction, where Norris Canyon Road and Grand Loop Road meet, drive 2.2 miles south and turn left onto South Rim Drive. Cross the Yellowstone River and drive another half mile, making the first left into a large parking area for Uncle Tom’s Trail and South Rim Trail.

Trailhead address: South Rim Drive, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Trailhead coordinates: 44.71522, -110.496203 (44° 42′ 54.79″N 110° 29′ 46.33″W)

Elevation Profile
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Photos

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These photos were taken in August of 2011. Click to enlarge.
Nearby Trails
Artist Point Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River Artist Point on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This viewpoint delivers one of the most photographed views in Yellowstone, a memorable perspective of the 308-foot Lower Falls.
Point Sublime Point Sublime on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This 3-mile hike explores the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, passing Artist Point toward more excellent views.
Brink of the Upper Falls on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River Brink of the Upper Falls on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This short trail extending from North Rim Trail reaches a daunting overlook atop the 109-foot waterfall at the start of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
North Rim Trail North Rim Trail on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This trail follows the north wall of the canyon past several exceptional views between Inspiration Point and the Brink of the Upper Falls.
Lookout Point Yellowstone Lookout Point on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This short spur off North Rim Trail (which you can also drive right up to) achieves an impressive view of Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
Inspiration Point on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River Inspiration Point on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This jutting point is one of the premier vistas along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, reachable at the bottom of a flight of stairs from a parking area at the east end of North Rim Trail.
Yellowstone Tower Fall Tower Fall
This 1-mile hike starts with a head-on view of a 132-foot waterfall. Unfortunately, the final leg of the trail to the base of Tower Fall is closed due to damage from rock and mud slides.
Calcite Springs Overlook Trail Calcite Springs Overlook
This 0.25-mile loop overlooks a dramatic section of the Yellowstone River lined by bleached cliffs and steam venting hydrothermal springs.
West Thumb Geyser Basin More trails in Yellowstone
Explore other hikes to waterfalls and hydrothermal hot spots in Yellowstone National Park.
Camping
Yellowstone Campgrounds Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
There are 12 developed campgrounds with over 2,000 total sites spread throughout Yellowstone.
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Tagged with · Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone · National Parks · Stairs · Waterfalls
Distance: 0.7 miles · Elevation change: 500 feet

10 Comments on Uncle Tom’s Trail on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park

  1. Carol Pearse wrote:

    Are there any safety overhead shields above the steps to protect the people from falling rock?

  2. David wrote:

    We were stunned by the intensity of the experience of seeing the Lower Falls from the platform on Uncle Tom’s Trail. It was a never-to-forget experience. My wife and I are in our fifties and the hike down and up got us a little winded, but we took our time enjoying the entire experience. Next time we are there, we will hike to the edge of the falls and stand there with the people we saw from the platform. They look like ants from that distance. Unbelievable!!!

  3. […] While short, Uncle Tom’s Trail packs a punch. It is steep going back up, and many people rush and forget water. Remember, you are already at a high elevation. The views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on this metal staircase trail are great. You are right next to the Lower Falls. Try to get the rainbow in your pictures. Take your time and enjoy! […]

  4. Jacqueline wrote:

    Hi, we are looking forward doing this trail. But what is the best time of the day to take nice foto’s here? Would love to be on the right time on the right place…
    I have the same question about the tower falls trail. Does anyone had the answer?
    Thanks! Greetings from the Netherlands.

  5. Jean Mueller wrote:

    This trail has been under construction for the last year and is still under construction. You won’t be doing this trail until 2019!

    • Judy E Hanks wrote:

      It was still closed when I was there at the end of Aug 2018, not expected to open until the 2020 season.

  6. Shawn J Pelot wrote:

    Does this trail take you to waters edge ?

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