Sheepeater Cliff
Cliff Basalt cliff with columnar jointing in Yellowstone
Sheepeater Cliff displays columnar basalt formed by ancient lava flows; visible from Yellowstone roads, it attracts geology-minded visitors and hikers to a roadside viewpoint north of the park’s central areas.
Sheepeater Cliff is a set of columnar basalt exposures within Yellowstone National Park. The cliffs display vertical columnar jointing created as thick lava flows cooled and contracted.
A short pullout and brief walking access let visitors view the columns and learn about the volcanic processes that formed them. The feature is one of several lava-formed landscapes in Yellowstone and is accessible from park roads during the open season.
The cliffs formed as part of Yellowstone’s volcanic and volcanic-tectonic history when basaltic lava cooled and fractured into polygonal columns. Over time, erosion exposed the column faces that are visible today.
Sheepeater Cliff is located inside Yellowstone National Park and is typically visited from park roads and short trails; exact access depends on seasonal road openings.
- Geology and access: Columnar basalt formed by cooling lava flows can be viewed from a short roadside pullout and short walking access points.
How to Get to Sheepeater Cliff #
Sheepeater Cliffs are located within Yellowstone National Park, accessible from the Tower-Roosevelt area. From the Tower junction follow the North Entrance/Grand Loop pullouts; the cliffs are visible from a short turnout with an interpretive sign. Check current road conditions on the National Park Service website-seasonal closures can restrict access.
Tips for Visiting Sheepeater Cliff #
- Visit from the Tower-Roosevelt area pullouts-Sheepeater Cliffs are best viewed from the roadside interpretive area rather than trying to scramble the columns.
- Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens: the columns and the vertical joints make compelling close-ups.
- Sheepeater refers to the Tukudeka (Sheepeater) Shoshone band; respect signs and give space to any wildlife in the area.
Best Time to Visit Sheepeater Cliff #
Summer and early autumn give the most reliable access; winter opens the park to a different, much more isolated experience.
Weather & Climate near Sheepeater Cliff #
Sheepeater Cliff's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (563 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain.
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July
July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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