Biscuit Basin to Fairy Falls and Firehole Meadows - Backpack, Camp, and Hike near Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
Firehole Meadows, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA,Old Faithful
44.4849742, -110.928619
Address: Firehole Meadows, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
GPS: 44°29'5.9"N 110°55'43.0"W
Maps | Directions
Trails/Routes: 14.8 mi

Backpack, Camp, and Hike

Freight Road trail is a almost 15 mile hike that leaves from Biscuit Basin or Fountain Flats Drive. This hike is a beautiful remote hike that passes several unique landmarks, breaking up this hike into several breathtaking sections. 

Starting from Biscuit Basin the hike begins with a stunning view of several turquoise pools and bubbling geysers. The path here is an easy boardwalk starting the hike off in a more popular section of the park. At the end of Biscuit Basin hikers will find a trail marked Mystic Falls. Hikers will begin a moderately easy section of the hike passed the colorful and forested Mystic Falls, a 70 foot roaring waterfall. After passing Mystic Falls hikers will come to Fairy Creek Trail and take that trail until they reach Firehole Meadows. 

Firehole Meadows has a sweeping view of the flat meadows with mountains rising in the distance. Firehole Meadows is a great place to do some back country camping and enjoy the quiet of this secluded area of the park. 

Continuing on Fairy Creek Trail hikers will pass Imperial Geyser and be able to enjoy the stunning colors of the geyser activity in this area, and camp overnight at the Imperial Meadows of Goose Lake Campgrounds. Gooselake is a collection of three small lakes with stunning blue water and rust red shores. For hikers and campers looking for an extra excursion, there is a short jut off the trail in this area to the towering, misty Fairy Falls. 

Once past the Imperial Geyser area Fairy Creek Trail meets up with Freight Road. Hikers can start and end this hike at either end, with parking available in both places. Hikers will need a camping permit to stay overnight at any of the camping locations. Campers should hike in groups of more than tree, and keep a lookout for and a safe distance from all wildlife. Hikers should also keep readily accessible bear spray on them at all times.

 

4.2K Written by tasiawhicker

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

to add photos & videos and suggest edits

Guest Review/Comments

/5
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Edit Review Delete Review
Reply Cancel
Firehole Meadows Yellowstone Backpacking Trip by Free Parking
Biscuit Basin to Little Firehole Meadows and Fairy by Rob Eaton
4.2K

Added by tasiawhicker

Trails

Distance ?

14.8 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-88 feet

Real Ascent ?

1,382 feet

Real Descent ?

1,470 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (-13° to 20°)

-23% to 37%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

Other Hiking Trails and Backpacking Trails Nearby

Add Location 0.3-0.5 mi

Mystic Falls

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

3.8 miles E

Mystic Falls is a 70-foot cascading waterfall on Little Firehole River. The area around the falls is quiet and beautifully forested. Mystic Falls is a lesser known spot in Yellowstone National Park....

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

2.0 mi

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

5.2 miles NE

The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail gives hikers an opportunity to see the famous aerial view of the Grand Prismatic Spring. The vibrant rainbow waters of the Grand Prismatic Spring are...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

0.3-5.0 mi

Fairy Falls

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

5.2 miles NE

Fairy Falls is something out of a fantasy novel. Fairy Falls is a wonderful portion of Yellowstone. It has stolen the hearts of many who have had a little pixie dust sprinkled on them...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Old Faithful Geyser

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

5.2 miles E

Old Faithful is a cone geyser located in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, United States. It was named in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition and was the first geyser in the park...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

1.5 mi

Observation Point Trail

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

5.3 miles E

Observation Point Trail is an just over 2 mile loop that passes several geysers along the way to Solitary Geyser. Observation Point Trail provides up close views of several geysers as well as...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

6.2 mi

Howard Eaton Trail

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

5.3 miles SE

The Howard Eaton Trail in the Old Faithful Area is a hike with incredible geothermic features and other natural views. This hike is a moderately difficult 6.5 mile there and back trail, that...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

0.7 mi

Grand Prismatic Spring

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

5.5 miles NE

The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park is the largest hot spring in the United States, and the third largest in the world, after Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand and Boiling Lake...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

3.1 mi

Mallard Lake

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

5.5 miles E

The Mallard Lake trail is majestically lined with trees both old an new. This is a 5 mile leading to the beautiful Mallard lake, making it a 10 mile round trip. The trail is...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Sentinel Meadows & Queen's Laundry

Madison, Yellowstone National Park

7.3 miles NE

The hike to Sentinel Meadows and Queens Laundry gives you a level trail with wide open meadows, hot springs, ponds, birds, and a little bit of Yellowstone National Park history. The trail can be done...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

2.6 mi

Lone Star Geyser Trail

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

7.6 miles SE

Lone Geyser Star Trail is a hiking and mountain biking trail that leads through the forest to the colorful Lone Star Geyser. The Geyser here has beautiful white, yellow and orange colors in the...

Hike, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

0.8 mi

Harlequin Lake Trail

Madison, Yellowstone National Park

10.9 miles N

Harlequin Lake Trail is a beautiful short hike that can be taken in under an hour. This scenic hike is easy and family friendly, making it the perfect activity to add to any Yellowstone visit....

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

6.1 mi

Shoshone Lake (via DeLacy Creek)

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

11.5 miles E

If you are just coming from Old Faithful and want a break from the crowds, this hike is a perfect leg-stretching, moderate 6.1 mile hike. This hike takes you through the forest and grassy trail. As...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

6.1 mi

Purple Mountain Trail

Madison, Yellowstone National Park

11.7 miles N

Purple Mountain Trail is a 6 mile out and back trail to the peak of purple mountain. This is a beautifully forested trail with little foot traffic is a quiet respite from the crowds of...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Beryl Spring / Emerald Spring

Norris, Yellowstone National Park

16.0 miles NE

This spring is located right off the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park. The spring is a very quick walk, with a parking lot located right off the road.The trail seems to be a boardwalk,...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Big Springs

Island Park, Idaho

16.2 miles W

There's also a great little walking trail along the river with placards that tell about the ecosystem and history of the area. There's about a 1/2 mile that's paved and then a 1/2 mile...

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

0.4 mi

Duck Lake

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

18.1 miles E

Duck Lake Trail is located near Grant Village and West Thumb. This is a simple 0.8 miles hike that takes you through the Lodgepole pine forest. This hike is special because the surrounding...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Lake Overlook

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

18.1 miles E

This trail is located in the southern part of the park, with the trailhead in the West Thumb Geyser Basin parking lot. This is about a 1.7 mile hike, roundtrip, that starts and ends at the...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

1.4 mi

Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

18.2 miles E

Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail is a 1.7 mile loop trail that is easy and great for beginner hikers. The trail begins near the West Thumb Geyser Basin Parking Lot and is open in the summer and fall.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

0.4 mi

West Thumb Geyser Basin

Grant Visitor's Center, Yellowstone National Park

18.2 miles E

West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the smaller geyser basins in Yellowstone, yet its location along the shore of Yellowstone Lake and is ranked as the most scenic. This area was formed by volcanic...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

4.8 mi

Riddle Lake Hike

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

19.2 miles SE

Riddle Lake hike is a 5 mile roundtrip hike. Riddle Lake is an alluring body of water with a sandy beach. The hiker gets the best of both worlds on this hike. Impressive pine and mountain views,...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

More Similar Arenas Near Biscuit Basin to Fairy Falls and Firehole Meadows:

Hiking Trails Backpacking Trails Things to Do

Nearby Campsites

Add Location

Madison Campground

Madison, Yellowstone National Park

11.4 miles N

Madison Campground is named for its proximity to the Madison River, which runs through the area in a lush mountain setting rich in wildlife. Madison Campground is at an elevation of 6,800’ and...

Camp

camp Campsite

Big Springs

Island Park, Idaho

16.2 miles W

There's also a great little walking trail along the river with placards that tell about the ecosystem and history of the area. There's about a 1/2 mile that's paved and then a 1/2 mile...

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Grant Village

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

19.1 miles E

Grant Village was built in 1984 and named after Ulysses S. Grant, president when Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872. Located near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake,...

Camp, Canoe, Kayak

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

6.9 mi

Heart Lake Trail

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

20.0 miles SE

The trail is very clear and leads to a moderate eight mile hike to Heart Lake. This hike has many possibilities. Day hikers need to push their time to make sure they are on the trail early to allow...

Backpack, Camp, Hike, Hot Springs

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

hot springs Hot Spring

backpack Backpacking Trail

0.1 mi

Lewis Lake Campground

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

20.4 miles SE

Lewis Lake is located in the southern part of Yellowstone National Park. It is 4 miles southeast of Shoshone Lake. Lewis Lake offers a plethora great water activities. This lake offers...

Camp, Canoe, Kayak

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

17.5 mi

Tear Drop Lake

Ashton, Idaho

20.6 miles SW

Nestled in the Targhee National Forest just off of Ashton's Fish Creek Road, this tear drop shaped lake is a family adventure waiting to happen. The lake isn't very big but it is teeming with...

Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

Norris Campground

Norris, Yellowstone National Park

20.9 miles NE

Norris campground is centrally located in Yellowstone National Park and offers a good spot for those planning to visit many of the most famous features in Yellowstone. Norris is a relatively short...

Camp

camp Campsite

Upper Coffee Pot Campground

Island Park, Idaho

21.6 miles W

Upper Coffeepot Campground stretches along a floatable section of Henry's Fork of the Snake River. A mixed growth lodgepole pine forest provides partial shade and summer wildflowers are...

Camp, Canoe

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

1.5-3.8 mi

Little Gibbon Falls

Norris, Yellowstone National Park

21.6 miles NE

Ice Lake and Little Gibbon Falls Loop is a 4.5 mile loop trail located near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking, but there are...

Camp, Canoe, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

0.9 mi

Buffalo River Campground

Island Park, Idaho

21.8 miles W

The float here is nice and easy. It's a great early season float. Later in the season the shallow spots will force you to walk a good chunk of the float. The water is super clear and often pretty...

Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

Cave Falls of Yellowstone

Ashton, Idaho

23.9 miles S

This campgrond is situated on the banks of Fall River in Wyoming along the south border of Yellowstone National Park. Cave Falls Campground has 23 single site units and a terrific area for...

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Horseshoe Lake

Ashton, Idaho

23.9 miles S

Horseshoe Lake is hidden back in the Targhee National Forest. It's a beautiful lake with plenty of lily pads. The road to get there is well maintained and there are many options for pull-outs...

Camp, Canoe, Dive, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

dive Diving Platform

Bridge Bay

Lake Village, Yellowstone National Park

24.4 miles E

Bridge Bay Campground was named for its proximity to Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake. The area is quite scenic, with wooded areas, open meadows and some limited views of the lake. Because of...

Camp

camp Campsite

Loon Lake

Ashton, Idaho

25.7 miles S

Camp, Kayak, and Swim near Ashton, Idaho

Camp, Kayak, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

camp Campsite

kayak Kayaking Area

Canyon Campground

Canyon Junction, Yellowstone National Park

27.7 miles NE

Canyon Campground is a popular choice for visitors to Yellowstone National Park, and it's easy to see why. Located in the heart of the park, the campground offers easy access to some of the...

Camp

camp Campsite

Fishing Bridge RV Campground

Lake Village, Yellowstone National Park

28.0 miles E

The Fishing Bridge Recreational Vehicle Park is located near the mouth of the Yellowstone River as it leaves Yellowstone Lake. The RV park is named after the Fishing Bridge, a wooden vehicle bridge...

Camp

camp Campsite

Indian Creek Campground Yellowstone

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

29.0 miles N

Indian Creek Campground is a quiet and secluded wooded campground within Yellowstone National Park, ideal for tent campers. It’s close to lots of hiking and fishing, and only a few miles to...

Camp

camp Campsite

Sheep Falls on Fall River

Ashton, Idaho

29.1 miles S

The lesser known Sheep Falls on Fall River is a local treasure off of Cave Falls road. There are primitive campsites and beautiful views for a great picnic spot. The water splits and comes down in...

Camp

camp Campsite

0.3-0.6 mi

Bear Gulch

Ashton, Idaho

29.1 miles SW

Bear Gulch is an abandoned ski hill out of operation since 1969. While the vegetation is beginning to take over, there's still some great sledding to be had. It's just far enough into the...

Camp, Cross-country Ski, Hike, Sled

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

cross-country ski Cross Country Ski Trail

sled Sledding Hill

Porcupine Creek

Ashton, Idaho

31.0 miles SW

Porcupine Creek is a hunting, fishing, camping, and swimming spot near Ashton, Idaho in Fremont County within Targhee National Forest.  It's surrounded by forests, meadows, and a creek...

Camp, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

camp Campsite

More Campsites Near Biscuit Basin to Fairy Falls and Firehole Meadows:

Campsites

Embed Arena

Where do you plan to embed this code?

<script src="https://www.freearenas.com/embed/a7f331973"></script>

Copy
×
loading...

Edit Your Experience

Log Your Visit to This Location

We've logged that you went. Is there anything else you want to add?

Thank you for your review/comment

We've recorded your comments. Is there anything else you want to add?

By recording your visit on FreeArenas.com, you'll have a collection of all the great places you've been and provide valuable information for yourself and others in the future.

Have you been to this location?

/5
Cancel

Donate to the Cause

Help us inspire and inform every person to enjoy life and the great outdoors in a responsible way. There's a lot of ways to do this. Here's a few ways we're working on our mission right now: Providing information, Building and maintaining local trails, Helping and teaching kids to fix their bikes, Cleaning up local parks to provide safe and clean places to enjoy nature. Learn More

Update Review

/5

New Collection

Add an Arena

Just some quick info about this location to get started...