Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone South Rim Trail

Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by

Artists Point and Clear Lake Loop

We hiked the south rim and stretched out the distance a little by adding Point Sublime to the Artists Point and Clear Lake Loop trek. This hike is worth every penny as it follows the south rim for quite a while, offering spectacular views of the lower falls, the incredible array of color along the canyon walls, and relative peace from the folks who just park in the Artist Point parking lot to pull a Chevy Chase at the overlook (and if you don’t get that reference, it is a sad day for humanity). A little side trip takes you to Sublime Point. A misnomer to be sure considering the entire point is largely encircled by old growth pine almost completely obscuring the view in all directions, but there are multiple points along this spur that the entire canyon opens up to convince even the most urban-centric person that nature is incredible.

So excited that the road here was not closed as previously expected. This is an awesome trail and Shawn is correct (of course, because he is practically perfect in every way) about this being a favorite hike. If you only have time for a couple stops in Yellowstone, this should definitely be on the list. We got an early start and didn’t have to contend with a lot of people on the trail. Always a win. This trail starts at Uncle Tom’s Point (political correctness anyone? Welcome to the west) where you get some spectacular views of the upper falls of the Yellowstone River.

I also cannot stress enough how much I enjoy the western approach to personal accountability. There is one small sign indicating the trail is not maintained. What that means in practical terms – the trail is single track for a good portion of the rim trail and located about 4 or 5 feet from the edge of the cliff with nary a handrail to be found. There are multiple places along the trail that you are within one large step in the wrong direction of falling 50 or 60 feet to maybe hit a tree or a big rock before falling the remaining 200-300 or so feet to the bottom of the cliff. There is no place along the trail that 3 steps won’t net you the same result.

I, however, did have quite a few de ja vu moments where I kept seeing our son walking right up to the edge of the canyon and me screaming at him, “Stop trying to give mummy a heart attack!” (From our previous trip for his high school graduation). Yes, this was the exact same trail we did back then. Below pictures are a continuation of the trail – down to Artist’s Point (note the color of the canyon) and overlooking the lower falls.

I do have to add that it’s a good thing we are never more than 50 miles from our house (gotta love an RV) thus circumventing the 50 mile rule. If you’re not aware, the 50 mile rule happens when you are more than 50 miles from your home. That’s when your spouse takes it upon him/herself to help you meet your final demise. (Note all the ID tv shows out there). This would have been an excellent hike for that to occur. Good thing we still like each other.

Returning from Sublime point takes you to a scene from any post apocalyptic movie with several small geysers that have completely eliminated any growth in a 2-3 acre circumference but still surrounded by pine forest. The thermal area definitely doesn’t make the highlight reel for Yellowstone’s website, but again, the incongruity of exiting the forest into an area like this makes for interesting travel.

What Shawn didn’t mention about this post apocalyptic area is it is all in shades of black and white. Quite a contrast from all the color in the canyon. This was another return to the scene of the crime from Ryan’s graduation trip. At that time, this was the point where the torrential downpour started. Can you picture us slogging through the mud that the black and white apocalyptic landscape turned into? We were trying to walk/run/slide back to the camper because we were not just cold, we were wet and cold. (Why do you want to go camping in the winter?!) As we came up over the hill out of this section, seeing the camper at the bottom of the hill, we were stopped dead in our tracks by the huge buffalo in our path. They are WAY bigger up close than you think. And this one was locked in on us. (No, I did not pull out my camera). I wanted to cry. We had to walk about half a mile out of our way to finally make it back to the camper to change cloths and get some hot tea and soup. That buffalo kept us in his sights the whole time. It’s always an adventure!

Back to the present, and shortly thereafter, we climbed a low hill to enter into a meadow that screams where the buffalo roam, but again, nothing.

We close out the hike following the Yellowstone river back to the South Rim with some great views of the river snaking its way along the canyon floor before returning to the South Rim.

Best hike of the trip so far by a significant measure.

Always Remember the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

Plan Ahead and Prepare, Stay on Designated Trails, Dispose of Waste Properly, Don’t Take Anything You Didn’t Bring with You, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Courtesy: Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics