The Yellowstone canyon varies from 800 feet to 1200 feet in depth and from 1500 feet to 4000 feet in width. The length of the canyon is nearly 24 miles. The upper 2 1/2 miles is the most colorful section.

Hot springs have continued for ages to alter the lava rock and produce a variety of beautiful colors, colors which are primarily due to the iron compounds in the water. Even the steam vents are highly active on the canyon walls.