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Red Rock Point - 3 members in 4 triplogs have rated this an average 3.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
4 triplogs
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Jun 22 2024
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 Guides 2
 Routes 127
 Photos 1,478
 Triplogs 129

male
 Joined May 07 2019
 Tempe, AZ
Yellowstone North Rim Trail, WY 
Yellowstone North Rim Trail, WY
 
Hiking avatar Jun 22 2024
mikemcgTriplogs 129
Hiking8.37 Miles 1,227 AEG
Hiking8.37 Miles   4 Hrs   31 Mns   2.47 mph
1,227 ft AEG   1 Hour   8 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We began at the Upper Falls Trailhead, and followed the paved walkway down to the overlook at the top of the Upper Yellowstone Falls, which was very wide and powerful, with a tremendous spray that cooled us off. There was no way to reach the bottom of the falls without gear.

We then returned up to the parking lot, and followed the North Rim Trail to Crystal Falls, which is over 120 feet high, but is miniscule compared to the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls. We found a use trail that appeared to descend to the bottom of Crystal falls, but reached a dead end at the edge of a cliff.

We continued to the Lower Yellowstone Falls overlook, along a trail which descended along 8 switchbacks to a great view of the Lower Falls. We then went back up to the North Rim Trail and followed it to the end, past several other overlooks, to Inspiration Point, which provided great views of the canyon, both upstream and downstream. There were some beautiful and remarkable views of the canyon along the way. We then turned around and headed back, dodging tourists along the way.

Overall, this is definitely worth the experience. It is an easy trail that provides great views of the canyon and falls. However, it generally runs parallel to the road, and passes across 5 parking lots. It is a packed dirt trail between the parking lots, but becomes paved and crowded with tourists at each lot. At each parking lot, there is an overlook of the canyon and/or falls. There are moderate-grade paved descents to each of the falls, which make up most of the AEG along this route. There are better views of the canyon along the trail in between the overlooks. All 3 falls are incredible. Crystal Falls itself is amazing, but it is dwarfed by the size and power of the Upper and Lower Falls. The pictures don't even begin to show the incredible power, volume, and ferocity of these falls.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Crystal Falls Medium flow Medium flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River Heavy flow Heavy flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River Heavy flow Heavy flow
  6 archives
Jul 24 2017
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Touristas in Yellowstone, WY 
Touristas in Yellowstone, WY
 
Hiking avatar Jul 24 2017
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking5.45 Miles 1,451 AEG
Hiking5.45 Miles   4 Hrs   16 Mns   1.49 mph
1,451 ft AEG      36 Mns Break
 
1st trip
After our adventure on the Teton Crest Trail, I realized I had opted to prepay for a full tank of gas on the rental car. It seemed stupid not to use it, so we set out on a 400-mile driving adventure through the land of Boo Boo and picinic baskets.

Not much to say. Pictures don't do it justice. As much as I dislike touristy spots, they tend to be that way because they are in fact pretty impressive to see. I'd put this place in that category. I bet it would be nice in winter though...
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mud
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I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Jul 24 2017
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 Guides 6
 Routes 183
 Photos 5,612
 Triplogs 1,647

male
 Joined Mar 12 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Yellowstone Geysers & Waterfalls, WY 
Yellowstone Geysers & Waterfalls, WY
 
Hiking avatar Jul 24 2017
John9LTriplogs 1,647
Hiking5.45 Miles 1,451 AEG
Hiking5.45 Miles
1,451 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
After spending four days backpacking in the Tetons, we spent a night in a KOA Cabin near Jackson. The next day we woke bright and early and made the long drive into Yellowstone. Our plan is to hike a variety of tourist hikes and then spend the night backpacking to Firehole Falls. We’ll do more tourist stuff the next day and will return to Jackson that evening.

The drive up went fairly well. We followed the main highway and made good time. Along the way we passed a large herd of bison just off the road. We continued on and had to pass through a portion of Teton National Park and then on to Yellowstone. I had an NPS Pass which was very convenient. Once we entered Yellowstone we continued north and headed right for Old Faithful where we picked up our backpacking permit. It was quick and easy getting our permit. The ranger asked if we needed to see the bear safety video and we said no. We spoke about our four days in the Tetons so he was comfortable with us not watching it.

After that we headed over to the general store and then walked over to Old Faithful where the crowds were massing for the eruption. We ended up having to wait 20 minutes for it blow but it was worth it. The geyser launches water into the air roughly 50 feet. We watched for about sixty seconds and I said that’s enough let’s go! So we pulled a Clark Griswold and walked away as Old Faithful continued to erupt. From there we drove over to Biscuit Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring and then Fountain Paint Pot. We made several short stops and did some very light hiking. The geysers and hot springs are amazing and this place is crowded for a reason. We found it best to park on the road and then walk to the attractions. The parking lots were jammed pack especially during the afternoon.

Once it hit mid-afternoon we drove back to the Old Faithful area for lunch. There were only a few options for us. We waited in a very long line at a grille by the general store. The food took a while but it was nice to chill after the go go go the past few days. After lunch we picked up some supplies and headed back to Biscuit Basin where we planned on backpacking to Firehole Falls.

Fast forward to Day 2… We completed our backpack and returned to the rental car parked at Biscuit Basin. We packed up our gear and headed north. Our goal is to complete a loop with short stops along the way and a long stop at The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. We did a quick drive by along Firehole Lake Drive where we saw several more geysers including White Dome Geyser. From there we continued driving and saw several cool features from the road.

We eventually arrived at the Yellowstone Falls areas and spent an hour eating lunch and doing some shopping. After that we drove over to the very crowded Lower Yellowstone Falls parking area. The area was a zoo and took about ten minutes to secure a parking spot. Once we were parked we spent a couple of hours hiking along the rim and also hiked to the top of the lower falls. The area was very crowded but most people are slow and easy to pass. Once we had our fill we returned to the car and started the return to Jackson Hole. We timed it just right because a moderate rain fell on our drive back.

Our short trip to Yellowstone was over. The geysers and hot springs are amazing and I’m so glad we made the trip up here. Yes it crowded but it’s worth it. Just park off the road and spend the five extra minutes hiking to the start of the attractions. It’s well worth your time and effort.
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Oct 08 2012
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 Guides 9
 Routes 98
 Triplogs 284

44 male
 Joined Feb 17 2010
 Moscow, RU
Red Rock PointYellowstone, WY
Yellowstone, WY
Hiking avatar Oct 08 2012
AndreyPTriplogs 284
Hiking0.50 Miles 285 AEG
Hiking0.50 Miles      25 Mns   1.20 mph
285 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This trail was closed in 2010 and 2011 due to damage but I found it open in 2012. Upper part of the trail is paved, lower part is a wooden stairs leading to the Red Rock Point. It is farther from the falls than Uncle Tom's Point accessible from South Rim although the views are better as Red Rock Point is right in front of the falls.
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average hiking speed 1.72 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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