Tower Fall to Calcite Springs, Tower-Roosevelt
The stretch of road from Tower Fall to Calcite Springs is nothing short of dramatic. Tower Creek plunges 132 feet (40m) to meet the Yellowstone at Tower Fall. The Yellowstone River exposes 50 million years of geologic time at the aptly named Narrows. Basalt lava, laid down 1.3 million years ago, contracted and cracked as it cooled forming hexagon pillars at Overhanging Cliff. Calcite Springs - smelled long before seen - is a great place to observe the effects of heat and water on rock. It's no wonder that Thomas Moran, an American landscape painter, was broadly inspired by this corner of Yello... Read Morewstone.
Tower Fall, Yellowstone
Jim Peaco courtesy National Park Service
Osprey Nest at Overhanging Cliff
Alfredo De Simone
Bighorn Sheep above Yellowstone River
Jim Peaco courtesy NPS
Calumnar Basalt, Tower Falls
Rosalie LaRue courtesy National Park Service
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Getting There
Tower Fall is 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Tower Junction and roughly 16 miles (26 km) north of Canyon Village. The Narrows are visible from Overhanging Cliff and Calcite Springs overlooks as well as the 4-mile (6.4 km) Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail.
Getting Around
The 1-mile roundtrip trail at Tower Falls is graded strenuous for its 200-ft vertical descent. The trail to the lower viewing platform is currently closed. The 4-mile (6.4 km) Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail is graded strenuous. NB: Check the ranger station for trail closings before you set out. Be bear aware. Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, 100 yards (91m) from bears and wolves and 25 yards (23m) from all other animals. Be sure to pull your car off the roadway when parking roadside.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are no guardrails at canyon overlooks. Bighorn sheep, red-tailed hawks and osprey frequent the gorge and cliffs.
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