Inspiration Point — Attraction in West Yellowstone

People visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River are now able to enjoy the view from Inspiration Point. The overlook has been closed for a two-year rehabilitation project, which created an expanded viewing area that is safer and more accessible. “The design of the new overlook uses natural materials to protect the natural setting and integrate the infrastructure into the canyon’s spires and cliffs,” said Superintendent Dan Wenk. “I’m excited for our visitors to experience Inspiration Point in a new way.” New stone steps at Inspiration Point New stone steps at Inspiration PointNPS Neal Herbert There is a necklace of eight overlooks in the Canyon area connected by five miles of trails, all constructed between 1930 and 1950. For nearly 70 years, these vistas have hosted millions of people—and that visitation, in addition to natural erosion, has taken its toll. To address maintenance needs and improve safety, the park undertook a major initiative to repair and improve overlooks, trails, and parking lots along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Lookout Point and Grand View were completed in 2005. Artist Point was completed in 2007. Inspiration Point is the fourth overlook to be rehabilitated. The fifth project, Uncle Tom’s Point and parts of South Rim Trail, is expected to reopen later this fall (2018.) Access to overlooks at Inspiration Point is clearly posted. Trailheads to overlooks at Inspiration Point is clearly posted as to accessibility and number of stairs to maneuver. NPS Neal Herbert Immediately following the opening of Uncle Tom’s Point, the park will break ground at the Brink of Upper Falls, the next overlook in the long-term project. This area will be closed through 2019. Stay informed about current and future area closures at The rehabilitation work on Inspiration Point and Uncle Tom’s totaled $12 million. It was funded in part by Yellowstone Forever, the parks non-profit philanthropic partner. The final two overlooks, Brink of the Lower Falls and Red Rock Point, will break ground as early as 2020 and the estimated cost is $10 million. With the opportunity to capitalize on $4.5 million in federal matching funds, Yellowstone Forever is currently seeking corporate and private donations for the last stage of this...

If you are wanting a good experience to take in the magnificence of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone I recommend hiking the North Rim. I suggest starting at Inspiration point, because I love a hike with a fantastic build up to the golden jewel of the hike. In this case it is the mesmerizing Lower Falls.

Round trip, the hike will be about 4 miles if you go down to the Brink of the Lower Falls (recommended). The trail will take you past the Grand View, Lookout Point and to the Brink of the Lower Falls. Some sections of the trail are paved (between Grand View and Lookout Point) while the rest is gravel and packed dirt. The trail is mostly flat so it makes for easy going. Going down to the Brink is the only section that has significant elevation change. It consists of multiple switch backs that drop about 300 ft into the canyon. Just take it easy and watch your footing.

Hiking the north rim lets you see the canyon from multiple angles and get many glimpses of the Lower Falls. The color and diversity of the canyon are immense and beautiful to take in over the course of the hike. One of the big benefits of hiking the North Rim is you don’t have the crowds in between each stopping point. This allows you to experience Yellowstone Grand Canyon in peace and quiet and get a feel for what it was like without the parking lots and hoards of people.

Once you reach the Lower Falls from Inspiration point you feel as if you have have been well prepared to take in the full scale and power of Lower Falls at the Brink. Then as you hike back it allows your mind the opportunity to process the whole experience. Which in my opinion is a necessary step to solidify a moment in your memory.

This has definitely been one of my favorite hikes in...

Consists of three levels of viewpoints

Inspiration Point is one of the four most iconic and popular views of Bryce Canyon. The other three being Sunset, Sunrise and Bryce Points. Bryce Canyon has only one entrance/exit so from the Visitor Center this would be the third point of interest. There were no park shuttle operating at that time (the park has just reopened with limited access and services due to COVID-19). From the Visitor Center, we drove about 1-1/2 miles to the turn-off for Bryce Point and/or Inspiration Point. From the turn-off, we followed the road for 2 miles just as the Park Ranger said, keeping left as it veered toward the canyon rim.

The elevation at Inspiration Point is 8100 feet. There are three areas to walk in this viewpoint and a great photo op awaits you at any of them. If you are able to make it to the top viewpoint that's awesome because we weren't able to make it up there. It allows you to check out different spectacular perspectives of the main amphitheater. From wherever you're standing you'll be able to see layers of red and white rock that have been eroded away. I've never been here during the winter time but the scenery must look amazing when it is covered with snow. I think Inspiration Point gives the best picturesque shot for photographers......