Biscuit Basin & Mystic Falls Trail, Old Faithful & Geyser Basins
Biscuit Basin, named for the biscuit-like sinter mounds that once encircled Sapphire Pool, is a small thermal area just north of Old Faithful. And while the biscuit-like formations have long been destroyed - eruptions following the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake blew them to bits - the trek to this geological extension of Upper Geyser Basin is well worth the journey. But not for its geothermal features. (There is little here that can't be seen elsewhere in the park.) Biscuit Basin is the departure point for the short hike to Mystic Falls and moderate climb to Madison Plateau. View a 70-ft waterfa... Read Morell. Take in the sweeping panorama. Venture beyond the boardwalk. Do it independently or on a ranger-led walk.
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Getting There
Biscuit Basin is located 2 miles (3 km) north of Old Faithful on the road to Madison. (The road from Old Faithful to Madison Junction is open to wheeled vehicles from mid-April through October and is open to oversnow vehicles from mid-December to mid-March.) Biscuit Basin can also be reached by following the paved trail from Old Faithful to Morning Glory Pool and then taking the footpath north to Biscuit Basin. The trek is 3 miles (5 km) one way. The Mystic Falls trailhead is located at the far end of the boardwalk.
Getting Around
Biscuit Basin Trail is less than ½-mile (0.8 km). The trail is wooden boardwalk and is accessible to both strollers and wheelchairs. Mystic Falls Trail is moderate if hiked in its entirety. The 2-mile (3.2 km) roundtrip ramble to Mystic Falls is easy. The backcountry trail from Mystic Falls to the Overlook gains 500 ft (152 m) in just 0.5-mile (0.8 km). Ranger-led Mystic Falls Walks are offered daily June through late August. Biscuit Basin and Mystic Falls trails are open to x-country skiers in winter. Both trails are skier tracked.
Old Faithful Area Hikes
National Park Service Ranger-led Programs National Park Service X-country Trails Xanterra Parks & Resorts Things to Keep in Mind
Keep to boardwalks and trails. Swimming and bathing is prohibited in Little Firehole River as well as all hot spring pools. There is no shade at Biscuit Basin. There are no concessions between West Yellowstone and Old Faithful. Pack water and snacks. Wear sunscreen and hats.
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