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Beautiful views from the Mystic Falls Hike in Yellowstone National Park

Mystic Falls Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
215 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.7 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
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.

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 21 m 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 Mystic Falls

  • 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.

Getting to the Mystic Falls Trailhead

Drive 4 km 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.

Route Information for Mystic Falls

  • 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 Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Mystic Falls

9.3
12 reviews
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Tom Pack.August 2020

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

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Jane WatkinsonAugust 2020

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

Overall Rating
9
Trip Length
02:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
MamaBearAugust 2020

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

Overall Rating
9
Trip Length
02:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Carmilla ShzmAugust 2019

It was pretty amusing! The babbling water from the falls looks fantastic. The scenery was splendid as well. Worth visiting!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
WildmindAugust 2019

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

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
SeboMay 2019

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

Overall Rating
8
Trip Length
02:15
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
mountaincatMay 2019

So many people, everybody are crazy about waterfalls

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
SJMay 2019

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

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
StMillyMay 2019

easy walk in the forest

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
stocRobApril 2019

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

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
02:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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Last Updated: August 17, 2026

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