See The Colored Rocks In The Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone River

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.

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The surrounding rocks make the Lower Falls appear even more majestic.

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The combination of sunlight and mist from the waterfall can create a beautiful rainbow.

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Oxidation in the iron compound of the rhyolite rock creates a gradual rusting effect that alters the colors of the canyon.

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The powerful roar of the water is another magical element of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

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Visitors can drive along the North Rim of the canyon and use paved trails to get closer to the waterfalls.

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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.