Gibbon Falls

Northwest > Wyoming > Yellowstone National Park > Norris Geyser Basin > Gibbon Falls

Yellowstone National Park (WY, USA), Gibbon Falls -- 2022 -- 2649

Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Yellowstone National Park (WY, USA), Gibbon Falls -- 2022 -- 2649” / CC BY-SA 4.0; Image Size Adjusted

Historic waterfall where the Gibbon River plunges over a volcanic cliff, creating one of the park's most accessible and photographed cascades.

General Information
Hours:
Open 24 hours a day year-round, weather and road conditions permitting.
Fees:
Yellowstone National Park entrance fees apply
Private vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
Individual (walk/bike): $20 (7-day pass)
Annual Yellowstone Pass: $70
Pet Policy:
Pets are permitted in developed areas when leashed but are not allowed on trails or beyond designated visitor areas.
Closest cities with hotels:
West Yellowstone, Montana (approximately 17 mi)
Seasons:
Late spring through fall provides the best access and viewing conditions, though the falls may be viewed year-round depending on road conditions.
Location:
Gibbon Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Website:
nps.gov/yell

How to Get There

From West Yellowstone (17 mi): Enter Yellowstone National Park through the West Entrance, follow Grand Loop Road east past Madison Junction, and stop at the roadside overlook for Gibbon Falls.

Overview

The Gibbon Falls is one of Yellowstone National Park's most accessible waterfalls, located along the Grand Loop Road near Madison Junction. The Gibbon River drops approximately 84 feet over the edge of the Yellowstone Caldera rim, creating a striking cascade that can be viewed from nearby overlooks. Because of its convenient roadside location, the waterfall has been a popular sightseeing destination since the earliest days of park tourism and remains one of the most frequently photographed waterfalls in Yellowstone.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Gibbon Falls offers visitors a glimpse into the park's volcanic history. The waterfall flows over rocks associated with the Yellowstone Caldera, highlighting the immense geological forces that shaped the region. Surrounded by forests, river valleys, and nearby geothermal areas, the falls serve as an excellent introduction to Yellowstone's diverse landscapes. Whether viewed during spring runoff or amid the colors of autumn, Gibbon Falls remains a classic Yellowstone attraction and a favorite stop for travelers exploring the park's western corridor.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Gibbon Falls and Yellowstone National Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Gibbon Falls cascading over volcanic rock, Yellowstone National Park
Gibbon Falls cascading over volcanic rock, Yellowstone National Park, Miguel Hermoso Cuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Wide view of Gibbon Falls along the Gibbon River, Yellowstone
Wide view of Gibbon Falls along the Gibbon River, Yellowstone, Miguel Hermoso Cuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Gibbon Falls roadside overlook, Yellowstone National Park
Gibbon Falls roadside overlook, Yellowstone National Park, Miguel Hermoso Cuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted