Rockslide closes popular Yellowstone canyon trail

Heavy rain and snow recently triggered a rock and mud slide on a popular trail along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, closing it until further notice.

One of the toppled rocks — measuring 7 feet tall by 8 feet long — effectively blocked the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, said Yellowstone National Park officials.

This rock came crashing down in a recent slide and blocked the trail. Photo courtesy National Park Service

“We know this is a popular trail, and as soon as conditions dry out, we will work to clear the trail,” Canyon District Ranger Tim Townsend said in a news release. “Right now the entire slope above the trail is still wet and unstable making it unsafe for crews to work in the area.”

With the wet conditions, a trail crew is evaluating the area to determine whether more slides are likely and and the best way to reopen the trail.

Visitors may still hike the North Rim Trail, but rangers ask that people respect the closure on the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail.

As the busy Memorial Day weekend approaches, rangers are also reminding visitors that many areas are saturated by recent rain and snow and to be aware of their surroundings and footing.

Current trail condition reports are available at Yellowstone visitor’s centers or backcountry offices.

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