Mystic Falls
| Trail Features: | Waterfalls, Thermal Features |  |
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| Trail Location: | Old Faithful Area | ||||
| Roundtrip Length: | 2.6 Miles | ||||
| Trailhead Elevation: | 7274 Feet | ||||
| Total Elevation Gain: | 225 Feet | ||||
| Avg. Elev Gain / Mile: | 173 Feet | ||||
| Highest Elevation: | 7480 Feet | ||||
| Trail Difficulty Rating: | 3.05 (easy) | ||||
| Parking Lot Latitude | 44.48498 | ||||
| Parking Lot Longitude | -110.85256 | ||||
Trail Description:
The hike to Mystic Falls in Yellowstone National Park begins from the Biscuit Basin Trailhead, located roughly 3 miles north of Old Faithful.
The hike begins by immediately crossing over the Firehole River, which received its name from early trappers who thought the steam rising above the river looked like smoke from a fire. Once on the other side hikers will begin traveling along a boardwalk through Biscuit Basin. As you might expect, the route passes by several thermal features, including Sapphire Pool, which just might be the most impressive thermal feature in the park outside of Grand Prismatic Spring. We were also lucky enough to see Jewel Geyser erupt, which almost looked like a miniature version of Old Faithful.
At roughly two-tenths of a mile hikers will reach the loop portion of the boardwalk. Though you can proceed in either direction, the left fork is the shortest route to the Mystic Falls Trail, which branches off to the left after walking another tenth-of-a-mile. The new trail continues along raised boardwalk for a very short distance before reaching the official Mystic Falls Trailhead.
At two-thirds of a mile hikers will reach the Fairy Creek Trail junction. Though you can proceed to the falls in either direction, the left fork is the easiest and most direct route to Mystic Falls. Just past this junction is the Summit Lake Trail junction. You should stay to the right here to continue to the falls.
At roughly eight-tenths of a mile the trail begins to run parallel to the Little Firehole River, and at roughly 1.2 miles you’ll enjoy your first view of the waterfall. I highly recommend continuing for a short distance to ascend the two switchbacks a little further up the trail. This will bring you closer to the falls where you’ll enjoy a much better view.
Mystic Falls tumbles roughly 70 feet along a series of ledges on the Little Firehole River. Below the falls the river cuts through a small, but ruggedly beautiful canyon.
After soaking in the views hikers will have the option of continuing on the Mystic Falls Trail to create a loop hike. From the falls the trail climbs roughly 500 feet to an overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin. The loop continues from there by returning along the Fairy Creek Trail. In all, this loop option has a total roundtrip mileage of roughly 3.7 miles, starting from the Biscuit Basin Trailhead.
Additional Resources:
* Yellowstone National Park website
* Trail Map (trails are not included on the official park map)
* Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks