Find Canyon Junction and Canyon Village on your map of Yellowstone National Park. It is in the middle of the park, east of Norris, north of Fishing Bridge and Yellowstone Lake, and south of Tower Junction. Drive there, and from Canyon Junction, drive east on the entrance road into the developed area. A large campground is straight ahead on this road. Almost immediately, you can turn right and enter Canyon Village, where you will find visitor services.
Park and walk to the National Park Service visitor education center, the large building on the west side of the parking lot. Explore the exhibits here, look at the guides to the area, and ask the rangers any questions you have.
Leave the parking lot the same way you came; turn left, and drive along the one-way road called North Rim Drive. Before you do so, ask a ranger at the visitor center if the road is open; if not, skip this step. The road will take you to the canyon itself, where you can hike the canyon rim or, for an easier option, park and look at the canyon from Inspiration Point, Grand View Point or Lookout Point.
Return to the main highway-called the Grand Loop Road-and head south toward Yellowstone Lake. You will quickly see a road that leads to the Upper Falls, where the Yellowstone River plunges into the canyon. The road is the first turn on the left side of the Grand Loop after the exit from North Rim Drive. Proceed to the end of this road, where you can again park and either hike or simply look at the canyon.
Return to the main highway again, drive a little further toward Yellowstone Lake, and turn left onto the next road that appears. It leads to the South Rim Drive. You will cross the river, and on the other side of the canyon, will have multiple options. You can again park and look at the canyon, or-the more strenuous option-you can take Uncle Tom's Trail, a stairway that leads down into the canyon itself. It includes over 300 stairs, so only the physically fit should attempt this trip.
