Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Yellowstone, WY
The classic view of the 94 m Lower Falls framed by yellow and pink canyon walls, at the end of South Rim Drive. The paved viewpoint is a short walk from a large lot; morning light is best.
Artist Point is a viewpoint on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, at the end of South Rim Drive. Lonely Planet calls it probably the canyon's most famous viewpoint, with a long view of the Lower Falls and the canyon. The gorge, about 1,000 feet (300 m) deep, is known for its multicolored walls.
Contrary to what many assume, the name does not come from a sketch by the painter Thomas Moran: the park photographer F. J. Haynes named the spot for its outstanding view. A copy of Moran's painting of the falls hangs in the Canyon Visitor Education Center. A network of trails runs along the canyon rims, and according to Lonely Planet, rangers give short talks in the afternoon.
For your route planning: South Rim Drive branches off in the Canyon area. Most park roads close to cars on November 1, 2026; the park's announcement gave no separate date for South Rim Drive (as of October 2026, check ahead).
- Nearest town
- Yellowstone, WY
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 44.7202, -110.4790
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Canyon CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone · 273 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Norris CampgroundMotorhome stopover11 mi from Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the YellowstoneMotorhomes
- Fishing Bridge RV ParkCampsite12 mi from Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone · 310 pitchesCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Tower FallCampsite12 mi from Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone · 31 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterToilets
- Bridge Bay CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the YellowstoneTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Grant Village CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone · 430 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Wyoming · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is in Yellowstone, WY, at GPS 44.7202, -110.4790. It is about 24 mi from Gardiner.
Can you camp near Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Canyon Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mesa Falls to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley and Cody.
What is there to see near Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hayden Valley (5 mi), Norris Geyser Basin (11 mi), Tower Fall (13 mi) and Lamar Valley (17 mi).
When is the best time to visit Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)