Old Faithful Area

Fairy Falls Trail -- Though longer than the Mystic Falls Trail, the Fairy Falls Trail is popular because it leads to a taller waterfall, which drops 200 feet. The level hike begins at the Imperial Meadows Trailhead, 1 mile south of the Firehole River Bridge on Fountain Flat Drive. After following an old roadbed that winds through an area populated by elk along Fairy Creek, you'll pass the Imperial Geyser. From here, the trail joins Fairy Creek Trail and travels east to the base of the falls. (You can also access the falls via this trail, which is ultimately a shorter trip but less scenic.) The total gain in elevation is only 100 feet.

7.5 miles round-trip. Moderate. Access: Trail head located at Imperial Meadows in Biscuit Basin.

Fountain Paint Pot Trail -- This is a very accessible, popular area, so you might be forced to wait for a parking place. All types of thermal activity are on display, so as you stroll along the boardwalk, you'll be distracted at every turn by another bubbling pool or colorful mud pot.

.5 mile round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head begins at Fountain Paint Pot parking lot.

Geyser Hill Loop -- One of the most interesting, and easiest, loops in the area, this trail winds among several thermal attractions. Anemone Geyser puts on a good display of the various stages of a typical eruption as the pool fills and overflows; the Lion Group consists of four geysers interconnected beneath the surface; Doublet Pool is popular with photographers who are attracted by a complex series of ledges and deep blue waters; and Giantess Geyser is known for its violent eruptions.

1.3 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head at Old Faithful boardwalk.

Lonestar Geyser Trail -- The popularity of this trail detracts from the pleasure of walking a fairly level, forested trail along the Firehole River, interrupted now and then by broad riverbank meadows. The geyser itself sits in a meadow pocked by steam vents and thermal features. About every 3 hours, it spouts water some 50 feet in the air from a vanilla-and-chocolate-colored cone. The path is partially paved and open to bicycles as far as the geyser (hikers can go farther, over Grants Pass). In the winter, this is a popular route for cross-country skiers.

4.3 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head at the parking lot opposite Kepler Cascades.

Mystic Falls Trail -- This trail leads to a waterfall on the Little Firehole River that drops more than 100 feet, one of the steepest in the park. The trail starts at Biscuit Basin, crosses the river, and then disappears into the forest. The total distance to the base of the falls is only 1 mile; there's a trail to the top, and if you want to take a different way home, connect with the Little Firehole Meadows Trail, with long-distance views of Old Faithful, back to Biscuit Basin.

3 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head located at Imperial Meadows in Biscuit Basin.

Observation Point Trail-Solitary Geyser -- For a spectacular view of Old Faithful and the geyser basin from above, take this 2-mile loop. While it requires a bit more planning than watching Old Faithful from the bleachers, you'll have a totally different perspective from that of the masses below. The path up to the observation point is just half a mile, and the elevation gain is only 200 feet, an easy 15-minute hike. From the top, you can see most of the major geysers, as well as inaccessible steam vents located in the middle of wooded areas. From the top of the boardwalk, continue to the Solitary Geyser on a downhill slope that leads past the geyser, through the basin, and back to the Old Faithful Inn, which completes the loop.

2 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head at Old Faithful boardwalk.