Mystic Falls hike
View PhotosMystic Falls hike
Difficulty Rating:
The Mystic Falls hike in Yellowstone boasts quaint falls with a relatively easy approach, yet yield a beautiful, natural, secluded atmosphere. The cascading falls provide the perfect gurgling background for self-reflection and conversation.
Getting there
Drive 2.5mi north of Old Faithful to the Biscuit Basin parking area. Parking in the undersized parking lot can be tough. The trail begins on the left side of the road.
About
When to do | May through October |
Backcountry Campsites | No |
Toilets | At Parking Lot |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Circuit |
Mystic Falls
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Mystic Falls
The trail begins as a classic Yellowstone boardwalk, meandering through paint pots and geysers. After the small boardwalk lollipop loop, continue on the now dirt path towards Mystic Falls. Turn left at the junction to have the most direct route to the falls (right goes up to the Biscuit Basin Overlook).
This flat, wide trail meanders through a new growth forest, alongside the Little Firehole River. This river begins west on the Madison Plateau. Beautiful wildflowers can be seen along its entirety.
You will soon reach the falls themselves – all 69ft of them. They are secluded, away from the bustling crowd of Biscuit Basin. The falls start narrowing and expand conically, becoming quite wide at their base. Steam from thermal features line the geyser, as do rocks and wildflowers.
Insider Hints
For a longer hike with a little bit of elevation gain, continue past the falls towards the Biscuit Basin Overlook. This adds some climbing and frames the geysers you have just seen up close.
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Tom Pack. 4 years ago
A beautiful short hike with rewarding views. Definitely a moderate trail
Jane Watkinson 4 years ago
A relaxing hike with mysterious falls, pools, and geysers as your view.
MamaBear 4 years ago
The falls stay true to its name, mysstical and beautiful!
Carmilla Shzm 5 years ago
It was pretty amusing! The babbling water from the falls looks fantastic. The scenery was splendid as well. Worth visiting!
Wildmind 5 years ago
The steam from the geyser was nice. Flat sections were easy to do. Very accessible.
Sebo 6 years ago
Mystic falls hike wasn't too hard. I may have expected a little bit more of a challenge.
mountaincat 6 years ago
So many people, everybody are crazy about waterfalls
SJ 6 years ago
Nice family walk and not as crowded as some of the others.
StMilly 6 years ago
easy walk in the forest
stocRob 6 years ago
Easy walks, not too steep so we saw quite a lot of families although it wasn't as crowded as we've expected. Would recommend