Biscuit Basin to Fairy Falls and Firehole Meadows - Backpack, Camp, and Hike near Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
Firehole Meadows, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA,Old Faithful
44.4849742, -110.928619
Address: Firehole Meadows, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
GPS: 44°29'5.9"N 110°55'43.0"W
Maps | Directions
Trails/Routes: 14.8 mi

Backpack, Camp, and Hike

Freight Road trail is a almost 15 mile hike that leaves from Biscuit Basin or Fountain Flats Drive. This hike is a beautiful remote hike that passes several unique landmarks, breaking up this hike into several breathtaking sections. 

Starting from Biscuit Basin the hike begins with a stunning view of several turquoise pools and bubbling geysers. The path here is an easy boardwalk starting the hike off in a more popular section of the park. At the end of Biscuit Basin hikers will find a trail marked Mystic Falls. Hikers will begin a moderately easy section of the hike passed the colorful and forested Mystic Falls, a 70 foot roaring waterfall. After passing Mystic Falls hikers will come to Fairy Creek Trail and take that trail until they reach Firehole Meadows. 

Firehole Meadows has a sweeping view of the flat meadows with mountains rising in the distance. Firehole Meadows is a great place to do some back country camping and enjoy the quiet of this secluded area of the park. 

Continuing on Fairy Creek Trail hikers will pass Imperial Geyser and be able to enjoy the stunning colors of the geyser activity in this area, and camp overnight at the Imperial Meadows of Goose Lake Campgrounds. Gooselake is a collection of three small lakes with stunning blue water and rust red shores. For hikers and campers looking for an extra excursion, there is a short jut off the trail in this area to the towering, misty Fairy Falls. 

Once past the Imperial Geyser area Fairy Creek Trail meets up with Freight Road. Hikers can start and end this hike at either end, with parking available in both places. Hikers will need a camping permit to stay overnight at any of the camping locations. Campers should hike in groups of more than tree, and keep a lookout for and a safe distance from all wildlife. Hikers should also keep readily accessible bear spray on them at all times.

 

Updated June 27, 2026
4.2K Written by tasiawhicker

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

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Firehole Meadows Yellowstone Backpacking Trip by Free Parking
Biscuit Basin to Little Firehole Meadows and Fairy by Rob Eaton
4.2K

Added by tasiawhicker

Trails

Distance ?

14.8 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-88 feet

Real Ascent ?

1,382 feet

Real Descent ?

1,470 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (-13° to 20°)

-23% to 37%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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