The viewpoint is named for the 1872 visit of landscape painter Thomas Moran, whose work helped convince the U.S. Congress to establish Yellowstone as the first national park.
The distinct yellow color of the canyon walls is due to iron compounds in the rock being chemically changed by steam and hot water, a process similar to rusting.
The Lower Yellowstone Falls, viewed from this point, is nearly twice as high as Niagara Falls.
The canyon depth at Artist Point is carved primarily through volcanic tuff deposited during the Yellowstone Caldera eruption 640,000 years ago.
The viewpoint provides a vantage point to see the massive rock buttresses formed by erosion-resistant volcanic deposits along the river banks.
Artist Point is a prominent viewing platform located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It offers a direct, head-on perspective of the 308-foot Lower Yellowstone Falls. The canyon walls at this location exhibit vibrant yellow, orange, and pink hues caused by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite rock. The viewpoint sits at an elevation of approximately 7,700 feet. It is accessible via a paved trail extending from the dedicated parking area. Visitors can observe the Yellowstone River flowing through the narrow gorge 700 feet below the overlook. The location is a primary site for geological study of the canyon’s volcanic origins.
The very edge of the primary stone-walled overlook platform for the clearest view of the waterfall and canyon gorge.
Visit early in the morning to see the sun illuminate the falls directly.
Bring binoculars to spot osprey nests perched on the canyon walls.
Stay on the designated paved walkways as the surrounding volcanic soil is unstable.
Attempting to hike off-trail down the canyon walls, which is hazardous and damages the delicate geothermal environment.
Accessible only during the summer and early autumn months; the road is closed to private vehicles during winter due to snow.
Stay behind the protective railings; do not throw objects into the canyon; pack out all trash.
