Half a mile below the head of the rapids, the river suddenly contracts its width to less than fifty feet, turns abruptly to the right, and disappears. It is the _Upper Fall_ of the Yellowstone. In some respects, this cataract differs from almost any other. Although the ledge over which it falls is apparently perpendicular, the velocity of flow at the crest of the fall is so great that the water pours over as if on the surface of a wheel. Visitors at Niagara have noticed the difference in this respect between the almost vertical sheet of water on the American side and the well-rounded flow at the apex of the Horseshoe Fall. The height of the Upper Fall of the Yellowstone is 112 feet. From this point, the character of the scenery is wild and rugged. A ride of a few hundred yards brings the tourist to a sharp bend in the road, which at once unfolds to him the whole vista of the _Grand Cañon of_ _the Yellowstone_. The sight is so impressive and absorbing that the chances are he will cross the ravine of _Cascade Creek_ without even noticing the lovely _Crystal Falls_ almost beneath his feet. [Illustration: _Terry Engr. Co._ Original Sketch.[BM] [BM] See foot-note, page 168.] [Illustration: _Terry Engr. Co._ _U. S. Geological Survey of the Territories._ Grand Cañon of the Yellowstone. Looking down--probably from Lookout Point.] [Illustration: _Terry Engr. Co._ _Haynes, Photo., St. Paul._ Grand Cañon of the Yellowstone. From Inspiration Point--looking up stream. Lower Fall in the distance.] The _Cañon Hotel_ is half a mile beyond Cascade Creek, in an open park, a little way back from the brink of the Cañon. From its porch, the crest of the Upper Fall can be seen, and the roar of both cataracts is distinctly audible. This hotel and that at the lake are the most desirable in the Park for a protracted stay. The Grand Cañon of the Yellowstone is acknowledged by all beholders to stand without parallel among the natural wonders of the globe. Other cañons, the Yosemite, for example, have greater depths and more imposing walls; but there are none which, in the words of Captain Ludlow, "unite more potently the two requisites of majesty and beauty." The cañon itself is vast. A cross-section in the largest part measures 2,000 feet at the top, 200 feet at the bottom, and is 1,200 feet deep, giving an area of over three acres. But such a gorge in any other part of the world would not be what it is here. Its sides would soon be clothed with vegetation, and it would be simply an immense valley, beautiful, no doubt, but not what it is in the Yellowstone National Park. There are three distinct features which unite their peculiar glories to enhance the beauty of this cañon. These are the cañon itself, the water-fall at its head, and the river below.