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overlook · essential

Artist Point

The classic sightline places 308-foot Lower Falls inside a canyon colored by water, heat, and iron.

Yellowstone fire danger is HIGH

The dedicated NPS fire page and July 14 release list HIGH fire danger. No fire restrictions were in place when checked; both danger and restrictions can change.

Checked Jul 26, 2026

Parkwide chip sealing can move without notice

NPS says chip sealing can cause delays up to 30 minutes at various Yellowstone locations in 2026. Slow down on loose gravel and increase following distance.

Checked Jul 26, 2026

Chapter

The canyon's long view

25 minutesShort paved overlook approach · Paved path and stone overlook · wheelchair accessible

Narration

The canyon's long view

Transcript

What to notice

  • Lower Falls
  • Hydrothermally altered canyon walls
  • Thomas Moran story

Field notes

Lower Falls height
308 feet
Moran painting purchase
$10,000 congressional appropriation in 1872
Artist Point correction
Not the location where Moran is thought to have made the source sketches