Gibbon Falls Wildlife Trail — Attraction in West Yellowstone

1928 Winning Construction Bid – Gibbon Falls Trail Extension • Contractor Name: Morrison • Address: Emigrant (Boise, Idaho) • Deposit: $1,600.00

🔨 Construction Items & Quantities • Clearing: 1 acre at $180.00 • Grubbing: 5 units at $130.00 = $650.00 • Unclassified Excavation: 108,600 cu. yds @ $0.87 = $94,482.00 • Structure Excavation: 289 cu. yds @ $2.00 = $578.00 • Overhaul: 120,700 station yds @ $0.25 = $30,175.00 • Finishing: 4.5 miles @ $275.00 = $1,237.00 • 24” C.M.P. Culvert: 972 ft @ $3.25 = $3,159.00 • 36” C.M.P. Culvert: 56 ft @ $4.00 = $224.00 • Rip Rap: 150 cu. yds @ $2.50 = $375.00 • Rock Embankment: 678 cu. yds @ $2.25 = $1,525.50 • Blind Drain: 40 lin. ft @ $1.25 = $50.00 • Rustic Guard Rail: 4,400 ft @ $0.60 = $2,640.00 • Removing Old Culvert: 29 pieces @ $10.00 = $290.00

💵 Financial Summary • Sub-total: $122,894.00 • Contingencies: $14,806.00 • Engineering: (implied as included) • Total: $137,700.00

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🏗️ Paragraph Summary

In 1928, the Gibbon Falls trail and road extension project was awarded to a contractor named Morrison from Boise, Idaho, for a total winning bid of $137,700. This ambitious effort aimed to build infrastructure along the challenging terrain of Gibbon Canyon. The estimate reflects both the scale of the work and the detail-oriented planning required, including excavation of over 100,000 cubic yards of earth, installation of culverts, rock embankments, and the construction of rustic guard rails.

The “Solid as Stone” section of the display emphasizes the craftsmanship involved—massive rocks were quarried, shaped, and placed by hand to form sturdy retaining walls that are still visible today. These measures helped protect the road from erosion and washouts in this geologically dynamic area.

This signage also highlights the broader infrastructure project undertaken by the National Park Service in the early 20th century. At the time, such developments were crucial not only for safety and accessibility but also for enabling the growing number of automobile tourists to explore Yellowstone’s remote natural wonders. The historic construction techniques still stand today as a testament to their durability and thoughtful integration with the...

My kids favorite activity at Yellowstone. We parked at the Gibbon falls picnic area, walked down a little washout to access the river. Once at the river we walked along the game trail. Every few feet we had to jump over fallen trees (probably why the kids loved the trail). You can continue along to a rocky area where the falls are visible. The kids felt like we were out in the wild area of Yellowstone when we were really only about 50 yards from the road. The sound of the river and the road being at a higher elevation keep the sound of the cars away. I suggest make lots of noise as...

If you drive in from west Yosemite and plan to drive through north loop, Gibbon fall is the first view point you will encounter. It’s an wide but not tall waterfall. It’s not that traditional but it looks amazing. Especially as snow melting, it will...