Mystic Falls

Mystic Falls drops 70 feet through a rocky gorge in a twisting cascade that catches shafts of light filtering through the lodgepole pines, lending the scene an appropriately mystical quality. The Little Firehole River tumbles over volcanic boulders in a sequence of drops and pools, the water clear enough to see every stone on the bottom. Steam from nearby thermal features occasionally drifts through the forest, adding an otherworldly dimension unique to Yellowstone.

The trail begins at the Biscuit Basin boardwalk — itself worth exploring for its colorful hot springs — and climbs 1.1 miles through lodgepole forest to the base of the falls. A loop option continues up switchbacks to a ridgeline overlook with panoramic views of the Upper Geyser Basin before descending back to Biscuit Basin, totaling 3.5 miles with about 600 feet of elevation gain.

Early summer brings peak water flow, but the trail is enjoyable from May through October. The loop option adds significant climbing but rewards with one of the best views in the park — the entire Upper Geyser Basin spread below with Old Faithful visible in the distance. Morning hikers often have the falls to themselves.