Mystic Falls / Biscuit Basin

On Wednesday afternoon I decided to head to Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin to hit the trail to Mystic Falls.


It's a 2.4 mile out and back hike and at the end is this amazing waterfall.  For several minutes I had the whole place to myself.  I appreciate the serenity and peacefulness I experience at these glorious places.


Once again, I'm in complete awe of the trail crews who maintain these trails and create staircases like this one for those of us who aren't as agile as mountain goats.


This waterfall is on the Little Firehole River.  This is view downstream.


This is the trail that continues as a loop.  I did the loop last year, it is very steep and goes to the top of the falls then through a wooded area to an overlook.  I was very unsettled on this loop last year because of how steep it was and the remoteness of the trail once it leaves the falls.  I knew it was foolish to do it by myself last year so I wasn't about to repeat that mistake again this year.


I followed the river back out to the basin.


Before long I reconnected with the basin's boardwalk.  Most visitors to Biscuit Basin have no idea about the trail to Mystic Falls.  A couple people stopped me and asked where I had been.  I was in full hiking gear including bear spray and trekking pole so I'm sure they wondered why I was outfitted that way.  I don't ever encourage anyone who isn't carrying bear spray to hike out of the populated areas.


I snapped a couple shots of the thermal features on the way out.  Here's another of those bubbling pots.


I even caught an eruption of this little geyser.


Of course there are beautiful turquoise hot springs.


I love this one with the Firehole River in the background (not the Little Firehole River, but the big one).


And there it is--parking lot full of tourists.  You may notice there are empty parking spots, something you won't find in the summer.


On the way home I made a stop at Fountain Flats Drive and observed this male bison guarding his girl.


I got to enjoy them by myself for several minutes and then the tourists showed up.  Of course they had to get their photo with the bison in the background.  I can tell you that I would never turn my back on a bison when I was that close.  I immediately packed up and left--I didn't want to be responsible for their safety.


I made a final stop at a pullout along the Madison River.  I wanted to say goodbye to the Madison River and National Park Mountain in the background.  I was all by myself here and do you see what's in the lower left corner?


An elk cow that I got to enjoy all by myself from a very safe distance with a telephoto lens.  A special surprise just for me.  Thank you Ms. Elk.

Comments

Yogi♪♪♪ said…
I love your adventures!! I'm so glad you are careful.
October 1, 2018 at 7:32 AM
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