Canyons in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is widely known for its geysers and hot springs, yet its canyons represent an equally powerful expression of the park’s geological history. Carved by rivers, shaped by volcanic activity, and sculpted over thousands of years, Yellowstone’s canyons reveal the combined forces of water, lava, ice, and time. These deep gorges expose layers of volcanic rock and hydrothermally altered stone, offering a dramatic contrast to the park’s open plateaus and geothermal basins. Together, they form some of the most visually striking and scientifically important landscapes in the American West.

Geological Origins of Yellowstone’s Canyons

The canyons of Yellowstone owe their existence primarily to the erosive power of rivers flowing across a landscape built from repeated volcanic eruptions. Massive lava flows and volcanic ash deposits created thick layers of rhyolite and basalt that later became vulnerable to erosion. In many places, hydrothermal activity altered these rocks, weakening them and making them easier for rivers to carve. During the last ice age, glaciers further shaped the land by scouring valleys and redirecting river courses. As glaciers retreated, meltwater surged through newly formed channels, accelerating canyon formation and deepening existing gorges.

Quick Reference: Major Canyons of Yellowstone National Park

Canyon Name	Location	River / Creek	Key Characteristics	Notable Features
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone	Central–northeastern Yellowstone	Yellowstone River	Largest and most famous canyon; 20 miles long; 800–1,200 ft deep; colorful hydrothermally altered walls	Upper Falls (109 ft), Lower Falls (308 ft), Artist Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail
Black Canyon of the Yellowstone	North of park boundary	Yellowstone River	Narrow, steep, dark volcanic rock walls; remote and less visited	Wilderness character, backcountry hiking
Tower Fall Canyon	Northern Yellowstone (Tower–Roosevelt area)	Tower Creek	Rugged canyon with volcanic spires; dramatic rock formations	Tower Fall (132 ft), Tower Fall Overlook
Lava Creek Canyon	Near Mammoth Hot Springs	Lava Creek	Basalt-dominated canyon formed by lava flows and erosion	Exposed volcanic strata
Gibbon River Canyon	Between Norris Geyser Basin and Madison Junction	Gibbon River	Steep-walled canyon with mixed volcanic and sedimentary rocks	Gibbon Falls (84 ft), scenic viewpoints
Lewis Canyon	Southwestern Yellowstone	Lewis River	Rugged and lesser-known canyon carved through volcanic rocks	Lewis River Falls, hiking opportunities
Hellroaring Creek Canyon	Northern Yellowstone	Hellroaring Creek	Deep, narrow, remote gorge with steep rocky walls	Backcountry hiking, solitude
Lamar River Canyon	Lamar Valley region	Lamar River	Canyon cutting through open valley landscape	Wildlife-rich area, scenic contrast
Gardner River Canyon	Near North Entrance	Gardner River	Gorge carved through basalt rock	Boiling River hot spring nearby
Firehole Canyon	South of Madison Junction	Firehole River	Narrow canyon with lava walls and waterfalls	Firehole swimming area (historically popular)
Pelican Creek Canyon	Near Yellowstone Lake	Pelican Creek	Shallow canyon with wetlands and forests	Important wildlife habitat

 

1. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The most celebrated of all is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, often considered the park’s crown jewel. This canyon stretches for roughly 20 miles and plunges to depths of 800 to 1,200 feet, with widths between a quarter and three-quarters of a mile. Its colorful walls, painted in shades of yellow, red, and pink, give the park its very name. 

The canyon's geological formation is attributed primarily to erosion by the Yellowstone River rather than glaciation. Following the Yellowstone Caldera eruption around 600,000 years ago, the area was covered by lava flows and affected by tectonic uplift. These factors, along with subsequent erosion, shaped the canyon. Glacial activity once filled the canyon with deposits, but these have since been eroded away. 

The Lower Falls, at 308 feet, and the Upper Falls, at 109 feet, thunder down into this canyon, creating one of the most photographed and iconic scenes in Yellowstone. Overlooks like Artist Point, Lookout Point, and Inspiration Point allow visitors to marvel at its grandeur.

The canyon area features several trails, including the popular Uncle Tom’s Trail, which descends to a viewpoint near the base of the Lower Falls, and the North Rim Trail, which offers scenic views along the canyon’s edge.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

2. Black Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Black Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the park’s most remote and least visited canyons, offering solitude and breathtaking natural beauty. Carved by the Yellowstone River just north of the park’s boundary, this canyon features steep, dark volcanic rock walls that give it its name. Its isolation makes it a favorite for experienced hikers and backpackers who want to immerse themselves in Yellowstone’s wilderness.

Black Canyon of the Yellowstone

Black Canyon of the Yellowstone

3. Tower Fall Canyon

Tower Fall Canyon is a captivating feature situated in the northern part of the park near the Tower-Roosevelt area. This canyon is named after the striking Tower Fall, which is one of Yellowstone's prominent waterfalls. The canyon is known for its dramatic rock formations and the scenic beauty of the falls, which plunge about 132 feet (40 meters) into the canyon below.

The canyon is flanked by impressive rock spires and formations that contribute to its rugged and picturesque landscape. The geological features of Tower Fall Canyon include volcanic rock formations, which were shaped by both erosional forces and volcanic activity. The canyon itself is part of the larger Lamar Valley area, which is renowned for its wildlife and expansive vistas.

The main viewpoint for Tower Fall is accessible from the Tower Fall Overlook, which provides visitors with a spectacular view of the waterfall and the surrounding canyon. There are also several hiking trails in the area that offer additional perspectives of the falls and the canyon, including the Tower Fall Trail, which descends to the base of the falls for a closer look.

Tower Fall

Tower Fall Canyon

4. Lava Creek Canyon

Lava Creek Canyon is found in the northern part of the park near Mammoth Hot Springs. The canyon is named for Lava Creek, which flows through it. Lava Creek Canyon's formation is closely tied to Yellowstone’s volcanic history. The area is characterized by its rugged terrain, shaped by both volcanic activity and the erosive forces of the creek. 

The canyon walls are primarily composed of basalt and other volcanic rocks that have been deposited by ancient lava flows. These rocks provide insights into the region’s volcanic past and the complex geological processes that have shaped the landscape.

Lava Creek Canyon

5. Gibbon River Canyon

The Gibbon River Canyon is situated between Norris Geyser Basin and Madison Junction. The canyon is carved by the Gibbon River, which flows through it, and is renowned for its scenic beauty and natural features.

Gibbon River Canyon is characterized by its steep walls and rugged terrain, shaped primarily by the erosive forces of the river. The canyon walls expose various rock types, including volcanic rocks and sedimentary formations, which provide insights into the region's geological history. The area is also influenced by Yellowstone's volcanic activity, with lava flows and geothermal features contributing to the canyon's formation.

One of the prominent features of the Gibbon River Canyon is Gibbon Falls, a striking waterfall located along the river. The falls drop approximately 84 feet (26 meters) and are a popular spot for visitors. The surrounding area provides scenic viewpoints and opportunities for photography.

Gibbon River Canyon

6. Lewis Canyon

Lewis Canyon is located in the southwestern part of Yellowstone National Park, near the Lewis River and the Lewis Lake area. It is less well-known compared to some of the park's more famous canyons, but it offers its own unique beauty and geological interest. Lewis Canyon is characterized by its rugged terrain and steep, rocky walls. The canyon is shaped by the erosive action of the Lewis River, which flows through it, cutting into the surrounding volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The area around the canyon includes various geological formations that reflect Yellowstone's volcanic history.

The Lewis River features several beautiful waterfalls, including the Lewis River Falls. These falls are a key attraction in the area, offering picturesque views and a chance to experience the canyon's natural beauty. While not as heavily trafficked as some other parts of the park, the Lewis Canyon area offers opportunities for hiking and exploration. The trails in this region provide access to scenic viewpoints and allow visitors to experience the canyon's unique features.

Lewis Canyon

7. Hellroaring Creek Canyon

Hellroaring Creek Canyon is a scenic and relatively remote area in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. It is named for Hellroaring Creek, which runs through the canyon. The canyon is a great spot for those seeking solitude and offers excellent opportunities for backcountry hiking and exploration.

Hellroaring Creek Canyon is characterized by its steep, rocky walls and deep, narrow gorge. The canyon's formation is largely due to the erosive action of Hellroaring Creek, which has carved out the canyon from the surrounding volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The area showcases various geological formations that reflect the volcanic activity and tectonic processes that have shaped Yellowstone.

Hellroaring Creek Canyon

8. Lamar River Canyon

The Lamar River Canyon winds through the famous Lamar Valley, an area celebrated for its wildlife. As the Lamar River narrows and cuts through the terrain, it creates a canyon that contrasts with the open valley meadows, adding depth and variety to this prime wolf- and bison-watching region.

9. Gardner River Canyon

Gardner River Canyon is another highlight near the park’s northern entrance. The Gardner River has carved a gorge through basalt rock, creating a dramatic landscape that also hosts the popular Boiling River hot spring, where geothermal water once mixed with the river’s cool flow before public access was restricted.

10. Firehole Canyon

Firehole Canyon, located south of Madison, is a visitor favorite thanks to its striking lava walls and waterfalls along the Firehole River. The narrow canyon is particularly popular in summer because of the Firehole swimming area, where people could once wade into the river surrounded by towering cliffs and rushing water.

11. Pelican Creek Canyon

Pelican Creek Canyon completes the collection. Located near Yellowstone Lake, Pelican Creek flows through a gorge surrounded by wetlands and forests. Its canyon may not be as deep as others, but it plays a crucial ecological role by supporting diverse wildlife, from waterfowl to bears that frequent the area during spawning runs.