Some photos of the colored rocks of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River are so striking that they seemingly have to be paintings, such as the famous work of Thomas Moran. They’re real, though. You’re sure to love this phenomenon of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, where volcanic activity of hundreds of thousands of years ago and ongoing hydrothermal effects have created a 20-mile-long, 1,000-feet-deep canyon that’s continually changing. The colors include copper and dark orange hues that seem supernatural.

Lower Falls is considered the most popular waterfall in Grand Canyon National Park.
Kelly Cheng Travel Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
The surrounding rocks make the Lower Falls appear even more majestic.
James Forsyth/Moment Collection via Getty Images
The combination of sunlight and mist from the waterfall can create a beautiful rainbow.
JTBaskinphoto/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Related Stories

This Is The Most Wyoming Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

This Is The Most Wyoming Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

 Locals Can't Get Enough Of The Artisan Creations At This Made-From-Scratch Bakery In Wyoming

Locals Can't Get Enough Of The Artisan Creations At This Made-From-Scratch Bakery In Wyoming

 This Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain Is One Of The Most Nostalgic Destinations In Wyoming

This Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain Is One Of The Most Nostalgic Destinations In Wyoming
Oxidation in the iron compound of the rhyolite rock creates a gradual rusting effect that alters the colors of the canyon.
Mr. Nixter/flickr
The powerful roar of the water is another magical element of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
tjflex2/flickr
Visitors can drive along the North Rim of the canyon and use paved trails to get closer to the waterfalls.
Michael Privorotsky/flickr
Thomas Moran's painting is a compilations of views in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
Smithsonian American Art Museum/flickr

As with most attractions in Wyoming, April through October is the prime time to visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Yet the winter scenery is definitely worth a look. The Canyon Visitor Education Center is a good place to begin your visit, followed by a drive along the North or South Rim of the canyon, with paved, accessible trails offering closer views of the waterfalls from the North side. For more information about visiting the canyon, see the National Park Service website.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA