Sheepeater CliffAbout Sheepeater Cliff
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.
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -16° - -4° | -16° | 55 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -15° - -1° | -13° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -11° - 3° | -9° | 44 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -7° - 8° | -3° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -2° - 14° | 3° | 57 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 2° - 19° | 11° | 61 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 5° - 24° | 14° | 44 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 4° - 24° | 14° | 42 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 0° - 19° | 8° | 43 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -4° - 12° | 1° | 34 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -10° - 2° | -9° | 47 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -15° - -3° | -15° | 54 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
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.