Beautiful views from the Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National Park
Beautiful views from the Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National Park

Mystic Falls hike

Yellowstone National Park
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Lake and forest at Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National ParkBeautiful geyser on the Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National ParkViews of the Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National ParkBlue Geyser on the Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National ParkHiking on Mystic Falls trail in Yellowstone National ParkFalls at Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National ParkView from the mountain at Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National ParkMountain at Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National ParkAnimals at Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National ParkTrail at Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National Park

Mystic Falls hike

Distance: 3.5mi
Elevation: 705ft
Time: 1.5-2h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.3 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

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.

Mystic Falls Hike Map

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.

I’ve done this 41 people have done this
I want to do this 144 want to do this route

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


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.

Comments

Tom Pack. 4 years ago

A beautiful short hike with rewarding views. Definitely a moderate trail

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Jane Watkinson 4 years ago

A relaxing hike with mysterious falls, pools, and geysers as your view.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
2h 00m Time Taken
MamaBear 4 years ago

The falls stay true to its name, mysstical and beautiful!

9.0 Overall Rating
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2h 00m Time Taken
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!

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
Wildmind 5 years ago

The steam from the geyser was nice. Flat sections were easy to do. Very accessible.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
Sebo 5 years ago

Mystic falls hike wasn't too hard. I may have expected a little bit more of a challenge.

8.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
2h 15m Time Taken
mountaincat 5 years ago

So many people, everybody are crazy about waterfalls

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
1h 30m Time Taken
SJ 5 years ago

Nice family walk and not as crowded as some of the others.

9.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
StMilly 5 years ago

easy walk in the forest

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 30m Time Taken
stocRob 5 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

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
2h 00m Time Taken
12 Comments Show all

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