Upper Falls View

Upper Falls View is one of Yellowstone National Park's most accessible waterfall viewpoints, offering families an impressive look at the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River without the steep staircase descent required by the Brink of the Upper Falls trail. This makes it an ideal stop for families traveling with strollers, toddlers, or anyone who wants the view without the hike.

The Upper Falls drops 109 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the view from this pullout clearly conveys the power and scale of this remarkable waterfall. While the perspective is not as heart-pounding as standing directly at the brink, it's actually better for photography and gives a broader sense of the canyon context surrounding the falls. Kids of all ages tend to react strongly to a waterfall of this magnitude — the sound, the mist, and the sheer visual drama are compelling even for very young children.

The viewpoint is short and doesn't require much time, but it's absolutely worth including in any Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone visit. Combine it with the nearby Brink of the Upper Falls trail (for older kids who want the dramatic close-up experience), the Lower Falls viewpoints, and Artist Point to build a comprehensive canyon day that showcases one of Yellowstone's most spectacular features. The drive between these viewpoints is minimal and the overall experience of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is something families consistently rank among the highlights of their entire park visit.