Is swimming allowed at Mystic Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mystic Falls.

Nearby gauge (Firehole River) · 38 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Mystic Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mystic Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Mystic Falls. Pets aren't allowed on hiking trails, boardwalks or in the backcountry in Yellowstone; they must stay within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Caobhin CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

rwarrin CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

www78 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Mystic Falls

Mystic Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is part of the Little Firehole River and is known for its scenic beauty and accessibility via a moderate hiking trail. The waterfall cascades over multiple tiers, creating a stunning natural feature surrounded by lush forest.

The Setting

Mystic Falls sits at 7,480 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Fairy Falls (200 ft) lies 2.8 miles to the north. Also nearby: Kepler Cascades (150 ft, 4.2 mi).

Fairy Falls Kepler Cascades

Trail & Hike Details

2.4 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile loop trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Mystic Falls begins at Biscuit Basin and follows a well-maintained path through a forested area. The trail includes some moderate elevation gain and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers can choose to take the loop trail for a slightly longer route with additional scenic overlooks.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views of Mystic Falls. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a peaceful atmosphere. Wildlife sightings, such as birds and small mammals, are common along the trail.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mystic Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on hiking trails, boardwalks or in the backcountry in Yellowstone; they must stay within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mystic Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Mystic Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the weather is mild. Summer offers the most accessible conditions, but it can be crowded.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, as bears are present in the area. The trail can be slippery after rain or snow, so proper footwear is essential.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Firehole River, 3.1 miles away, not on Mystic Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

38 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.43 ft

Water depth at gauge

42°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP

USGS 06036805

3.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 40 sq mi

Altitude: 7,340 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (5 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

39 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

39 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

38 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

38 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

39 cfs

5/10

Sat

Low

42 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

44 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

43 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near West Yellowstone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Mystic Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Mystic Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 48°F to 26°F.

Days below freezing: 1 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 40 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Wyoming.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 211 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 7,499 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 87 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 75 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Mystic Falls near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Mystic Falls near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, showing about 211 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 7,499 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 211 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Mystic Falls is located in Yellowstone National Park, near the Biscuit Basin area. Visitors can access the trailhead from the Biscuit Basin parking lot, which is approximately 3 miles north of Old Faithful along the Grand Loop Road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Biscuit Basin parking lot. It can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

7,480 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.484099° N, -110.873823° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven in some sections. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be slippery after rain.

This trail sits at 7,480 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 30% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Old Faithful Inn

2.7 miles away · 0 sites

The Old Faithful Inn, built in 1903 and a member of Historic Hotels of America® since 2012 was designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across America. Old Faithful Inn, a rustic-style lodge with a log and wood shingle exterior, is adjacent to the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. The origina

Book on Recreation.gov