Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone -
Artist Point

If Yellowstone had a signature view, it would be the dramatic sweep of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as seen from Artist Point. With its pastel-colored canyon walls, plunging waterfall, and ever-changing light, this overlook offers photographers a chance to capture the park’s grandeur in a single frame. It’s a place where geology meets artistry—and where every shot feels like a painting come to life.

Location & Access

  • Artist Point is located on the South Rim Drive, east of Canyon Village

  • Parking: Paved lot with restrooms and interpretive signage

  • Trail Access: Short, paved path from the parking area to the overlook (wheelchair accessible)

  • Best Time to Visit: Sunrise for soft light and solitude; late afternoon for golden canyon walls.

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The View: Lower Falls & Canyon Walls

From Artist Point, you’ll see:

  • Lower Falls: At 308 feet, it’s nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls

  • Canyon Walls: Painted in yellows, reds, and pinks from iron and sulfur oxidation

  • Yellowstone River: Snaking through the canyon, adding motion and contrast

Photography Tips for Artist Point

Best Light

  • Sunrise: Soft, directional light on the canyon walls and mist rising from the falls

  • Golden Hour: Warm tones on the rock and dramatic shadows

  • Overcast Days: Great for even exposure and emphasizing color saturation

Gear Suggestions

  • Wide-Angle Lens: 16–35mm to capture the full scene

  • Telephoto Lens: 70–200mm to isolate the waterfall or canyon textures

  • Tripod: Ideal for long exposures and low-light conditions

  • Filters: Use a polarizer to reduce glare and enhance color; ND filter for silky water effects

Waterfall Photography Tips: Mastering Long Exposures

Capturing the Lower Falls with a silky, flowing effect requires a few key techniques:

Essential Gear

  • Tripod: Stability is crucial for exposures longer than 1/10 second

  • Neutral Density (ND) Filter: Reduces light to allow slower shutter speeds in daylight

  • Remote Shutter or Timer: Prevents camera shake during exposure

Camera Settings

  • Shutter Speed: Start with 1/2 to 2 seconds for smooth water; adjust based on flow and light

  • Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for sharpness and depth

  • ISO: Keep it low (ISO 100) to reduce noise and allow longer exposures

Composition Tips

  • Include foreground elements like rocks or trees for depth

  • Use the river as a leading line toward the falls

  • Try vertical orientation to emphasize the height and flow

Pro Tip: Shoot in RAW to preserve detail and dynamic range, especially when balancing bright water and shadowed canyon walls.

Nearby Trails for Alternate Angles

  • South Rim Trail: Connects Artist Point to other overlooks like Point Sublime

  • Uncle Tom’s Trail: (If open) Descends steeply to a closer view of Lower Falls

  • North Rim Drive: Offers views from Lookout Point and Grand View Point

Final Thoughts: Yellowstone’s Natural Canvas

Photographing the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from Artist Point is a rite of passage for landscape photographers. It’s a place where geology and light collaborate to create something timeless. Whether you’re chasing misty mornings or golden evenings, this overlook delivers a composition that’s both powerful and poetic.