The waterfall is positioned directly on the boundary of the Yellowstone Caldera rim.
The drop of the falls is roughly equivalent to an eight-story building.
The Gibbon River above the falls features several miles of rapids before calming as it flows toward the Madison River.
The rock formation exposed at the falls is primarily composed of rhyolite, a volcanic rock similar in composition to granite.
The waterfall was named after Colonel John Gibbon, who explored the area in 1872.
Gibbon Falls is an 84-foot-tall waterfall located on the Gibbon River within Yellowstone National Park. The cascade tumbles over a remnant of the edge of the Yellowstone Caldera, a massive volcanic crater formed approximately 630,000 years ago. Visitors access the site via a paved trail that leads to multiple overlooks providing unobstructed views of the waterfall. Informational signage at the site details the geological significance and the forces shaping this segment of the Gibbon River. The water here flows through a volcanic landscape characterized by rhyolite lava flows. The waterfall is situated along the major roadway connecting the Madison and Norris junctions.
The mid-level railing provides the most balanced perspective of the water descent and the surrounding canyon walls.
Use the upper viewing area to see the full vertical scale of the falls.
The paved walkway is steep in certain sections, requiring steady footing.
Visit during mid-morning when the sun angle minimizes shadows on the waterfall face.
Do not attempt to scramble down to the riverbank, as the terrain is unstable and dangerous.
The access road is typically closed to standard vehicles during the winter season.
Stay on the designated paved paths to protect fragile thermal soil and prevent erosion.
