The 'Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone' Is A Must-See When Visiting The National Park

When listing tourist attraction sites that provide amazing experiences, the "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone," as it's known, is easily an example. Located in Wyoming, it conveniently sits among the top beautiful canyons in the U.S., even more stunning than the Grand Canyon itself. If you're planning to visit Yellowstone National Park, its Grand Canyon is definitely a must-see attraction to explore during your visit, due to its natural scenery and popularity for hiking.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone has a deep backstory: It was formed due to hydrothermal activity, thick lava flows, and massive explosions which were triggered hundreds of thousands of years ago. Spanning a length of 20 miles and a depth of more than 1,000 feet, the canyon owes its formation to a huge volcanic eruption that occurred in Yellowstone about 630,000 years ago. An amazing fact about Yellowstone National Park is that it is America's first national park. And indeed, the canyon showcases the park's unique history through colorful intricacies adding to its majestic grandeur.

For tourists flying in from different parts of the country (or the world), the closest airport to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is dependent on the entrance you're entering through, but hubs include Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Yellowstone Airport, Yellowstone Regional Airport, and Jackson Hole Airport. It's important to know that parking might prove to be difficult when visiting during the summer due to millions of visitors and congested spaces.

With options for hiking, watching the waterfalls, and spotting wildlife, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone provides a good time for both new and regular visitors. Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the canyon's majestic landscape, as there are multiple hiking opportunities to experience there. The first and easiest trail is the Point Sublime Trail which is just 1.3 miles. A more moderate hiking option, due to its steepness and 600-foot descent, is the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail. The Seven Mile Hole Trail is the most difficult hiking route, as it is a 10.2-mile round-trip trek that leads to the canyon bottom. A whole day might be needed for this particular trail.

Viewing the waterfalls is also a pleasant way to enjoy this magnificent canyon. You can glimpse the falls at three different sites: the Lower, Upper, and Crystal falls. The Lower Falls stands at over 300 feet and is the highest waterfall around. The Upper Falls is shorter yet provides an equally exquisite view. The Crystal Falls is a lesser known sight located between the Upper and Lower falls.

Wildlife watching is another experience around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Ospreys are very common around this area, and you may also spot elk, deer, and bighorn sheep around the park. Certainly, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone remains an attractive site where people can have memorable experiences, and Yellowstone National Park itself makes for a mesmerizing destination for nature lovers.