Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch in Yellowstone National Park, United States
Yellowstone National Park, United States

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch

Outty Ranking 82 4.8 · 416 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $182
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Outty Ranking

82/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 416 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch worth booking?

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch is a 6-hour experience in Yellowstone National Park, United States, from $182 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 416 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
82 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (416)
Duration
6 hours
From
$182 per person

The Grand Canyon Rim Hike is one of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park. This hiking tour is a loop. Your tour guide will watch for bears and answer your questions along the way. Not only do we hike along the Rim of the Canyon, but also through the forest to lakes, mud pots, and meadows. Your guide knows the trail and trail junctions, where many hikers get confused. Your guide also knows the good spots to stop for photos, resting, and lunch with a view.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Grand Canyon Rim Hike is one of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park. This hiking tour is a loop. Your tour guide will watch for bears and answer your questions along the way. Not only do we hike along the Rim of the Canyon, but also through the forest to lakes, mud pots, and meadows. Your guide knows the trail and trail junctions, where many hikers get confused. Your guide also knows the good spots to stop for photos, resting, and lunch with a view.

    What's included

    Included

    • Breakfast
    • Bear Spray, Binoculars, Trekking Pole, Backpack (if necessary)
    • Professional guide
    • Tea and coffee
    • Lunch

    Not included

    • Entrance Fee to Yellowstone National Park, $35 per vehicle, good for one week
    • Bottled water
    • Rain jacket and fleece layer
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

      Your expert guide will meet you at the Pavilion next to the Upper Falls Parking Area at 8AM. The hike is a 4 to 6-mile loop. The hike is along the Canyon Rim, then through the endless pine forest out to Ribbon Lake. After that, we pass a thermal basin, Clear Lake, and the Hayden Valley. If you hike one trail in Yellowstone this should be it!

      180 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Upper Falls

      We begin our hike seeing the Yellowstone's Upper Falls. This is the beginning of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

      5 minutes here

    3. Artist Point

      We will stop by Artist Point for views of the Lower Falls along the Yellowstone River. This is a must see when in Yellowstone. The 308 foot falls is surrounded by the colorful canyon. The area can be a little crowded, but it's worth it! After viewing the falls, we leave the crowds behind and hit the dirt trail.

      15 minutes here

    4. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

      After leaving Artist Point, we hit the dirt trails. We hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for more colorful views. We turn off in to the forest for a walk through endless pines before hiking past mud pots and steaming vents.

      60 minutes here

    5. We take a break at Clear Lake to soak in the serenity. We often see wildlife and wildflowers.

      30 minutes here

    6. Hayden Valley

      We see the Hayden Valley from the trail with wide open views of mountains touching the sky. This is a wonderful spot to see bison, as well as the occasional bear or wolf, at a distance.

      15 minutes here

    7. Yellowstone River

      We end our hike along the Yellowstone River taking in views of calm waters becoming rapids before descending over the Upper Falls.

      45 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Yellowstone National Park

    Meet near the pavilion at the Upper Falls View Parking Area off of the South Rim Drive. Turn left off the Grand Loop Road on the South Rim Drive, 2 miles south of Canyon Village, toward Artist Point. After crossing over the Yellowstone River on a bridge, turn left at the 'Canyon Views' sign.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet near the pavilion at the Upper Falls View Parking Area off of the South Rim Drive. Turn left off the Grand Loop Road on the South Rim Drive, 2 miles south of Canyon Village, toward Artist Point. After crossing over the Yellowstone River on a bridge, turn left at the 'Canyon Views' sign.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Yellowstone Hiking Guides

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch in Yellowstone National Park, photo 2Clear Lake., Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch in Yellowstone National ParkGrand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch in Yellowstone National Park, photo 4Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim., Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch in Yellowstone National ParkArtist's Point. Lower Falls, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River., Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch in Yellowstone...Classic Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River., Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch in Yellowstone...

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 415 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Physical effort

    6 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Photo opportunities

    5 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    415 verified traveler reviews for Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    388
    4 star
    10
    3 star
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    Sort
    Thomas_m · October 2026

    Wonderful sights that...

    Wonderful sights that change from the falls, to woodlands, to a beautiful meadow. Then lunch in a wooded picnic area. Then a walk on the river above the waterfall and back to the waterfall again. A great and knowledgeable guide as well!!! It is by no means strenuous. I brought walking sticks as I am a senior my, but I hardly ever needed them.

    via Viator

    Alicia_T · September 2026

    This was one of our...

    This was one of our favorite activities we did in Yellowstone. Rory was a great guide. The hike was challenging but she made sure we had enough time to catch our breath if we needed to.

    via Viator

    Rae_J · September 2026

    Amazing views....

    Amazing views. Informational guide. Totally exceeded expectations! Lunch was fabulous and generous (I saved half for another meal!)

    via Viator

    debbiepW829IS · September 2026

    SEE MORE WITH AMAZING HIKES

    Rory made the hike fun and I felt safe. It was such an enjoyable experience talking to Rory and having her lead the way. I also signed up for the Fairy Falls and Grand Prismatic Hike and Rory was my guide again and it was equally enjoyable. Loved every minute of it!

    via Tripadvisor

    Beth_B · September 2026

    Grand Canyon of Yellowstone south rim loop hike.

    Guided 6 mile hike - no serious incline but there are some ups and downs. It is a loop With great views of upper/lower falls , small lakes, hot springs,landscapes and views. An excellent hike with lunch that was great - made by our super guide Connor. Connor was our guide for the day was the best. Everything was ready to go at 8am. Breakfast snacks, water if needed and hiking poles provided. He explained the hike in detail and safety before we started. Gave us so much great info along the way and answered tons of questions. Provided a lot of great humor along the way. Just a really fun and extremely well trained and knowledgeable about the park. Lunch Connor provided was great. Big fat sandwich with chips and other snacks. I was full after sandwich and chips. 10 people in our group and we all chatted it up the whole way. Connor was chatting it up with À everybody and remembered all our names. Can’t say enough about Connor’s professionalism. At the end he had cold drinks for all and we said thanks and bye. A special hike for sure.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    146
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Yellowstone Hiking Guides, who run 7 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 79.6.

    See everything Yellowstone Hiking Guides runs

    Why this scores 82

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)89
    Booking momentum (14% weight)88
    Value for money (12% weight)69
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)44
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yellowstone National Park.

    How much does Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch cost?

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    Prices start at $182 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Yellowstone National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch take?

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    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Yellowstone National Park is not rushed.

    Is Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 416 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Yellowstone National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch?

    +

    Around 146 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Yellowstone National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Yellowstone National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Yellowstone National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park?

    +

    Yellowstone tours run geyser basins and Grand Prismatic, Lamar Valley wolf and bison watching at dawn, photography workshops and winter snowcoach trips. Distances inside the park are enormous, so itinerary honesty matters more than anything else. On Outty we rank every Yellowstone National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour, Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful, Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?

    +

    May to September, plus December to March for snowcoach tours. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Yellowstone National Park?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch?

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    Included: Breakfast; Bear Spray, Binoculars, Trekking Pole, Backpack (if necessary); Professional guide; Tea and coffee; and Lunch. Not included: Entrance Fee to Yellowstone National Park, $35 per vehicle, good for one week; Bottled water; Rain jacket and fleece layer; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch?

    +

    Meet near the pavilion at the Upper Falls View Parking Area off of the South Rim Drive. Turn left off the Grand Loop Road on the South Rim Drive, 2 miles south of Canyon Village, toward Artist Point. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch?

    +

    Across 416 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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