Mystic Falls
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
| Address: | Continental Divide Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA |
| GPS: |
44°29'6.2"N 110°51'9.2"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
| Trails/Routes: | 0.3-0.5 mi |
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Hike
Mystic Falls is a 70-foot cascading waterfall on Little Firehole River. The area around the falls is quiet and beautifully forested. Mystic Falls is a lesser known spot in Yellowstone National Park. Even on busy days, the trail leading to the falls is uncrowded.
The trailhead is found on the far side of the Biscuit Basin boardwalk. While walking from the parking lot to the trailhead you will enjoy the views in this brightly colored geyser basin. From the trailhead there are two options for your climb to Mystic Falls. The shorter trail provides a view from below the waterfall, and the longer trail provides a view from above.
The shorter trail is a little over a mile out and back and neighbors Little Firehole River. When you reach Mystic Falls there is a clearly marked path that connects the lower viewing area to the upper viewing area, for those who want to see both spectacular views. The longer trail is a little over two miles. Both trails are mild and easy to walk for beginners.
Mystic Falls is a wonderful trail to escape the busier Yellowstone sights. Located between the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful, Mystic Falls is a wonderful adventure to add to any Yellowstone trip.
Mapped Route/Trail Distances
| Route #1 | 0.4 miles |
| Biscuit Basin Boardwalk to Mystic Falls Trail | 0.3 miles |
| Continental Divide Trail to Mystic Falls | 0.5 miles |
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
- Head east on Pyramid Rd (0.2 mi)
- Turn left onto Geyser View Ave (0.2 mi)
- Geyser View Ave turns left and becomes Old Faithful Rd (0.6 mi)
- Take the ramp to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N/Hwy 20 W (0.4 mi)
- Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Madison and merge onto US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N/Hwy 20 WPartial toll roadParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(2.0 mi)
- Turn left (423 ft)
- Park in the Biscuit Basin Parking Lot.
- Use the boardwalk to walk to the far side of Biscuit Basin.
- When you reach the trees the boardwalk will turn into a dirt trail. Here there is a clearly marked sign saying "To Mystic Falls" that indicates which trail you should follow.
Trails
Distance ?
0.4 milesElevation Gain ?
7 feetReal Ascent ?
50 feetReal Descent ?
43 feetAvg Grade (0°)
0%Grade (-10° to 10°)
-18% to 18%Distance ?
0.3 milesElevation Gain ?
26 feetReal Ascent ?
37 feetReal Descent ?
11 feetAvg Grade (1°)
1%Grade (-3° to 3°)
-5% to 6%Distance ?
0.5 milesElevation Gain ?
15 feetReal Ascent ?
36 feetReal Descent ?
21 feetAvg Grade (0°)
1%Grade (-2° to 3°)
-4% to 6%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.