Fairy Creek Guided Backpacking Trips

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Day 1: Easy - 6 mi/9.6 km

The Fairy Creek Loop begins at the popular thermal area know as Biscuit Basin. The trailhead (OK4) is approximately 2.5 hours from our starting point in Bozeman, Montana. This area contains a number of active geysers, turquoise colored pools and bubbling hot springs—the most notable features are Sapphire Pool, Jewel Geyser, Shell Geyser and Avoca Spring. The area gets its name from the smaller mounds or "biscuit" shaped geyserite formations that surround the edges of the hot springs. In July of 2024 a rare hydrothermal explosion took place at Biscuit Basin and the boardwalk is currently closed for the remainder of the season. For more information regarding this event and other Yellowstone news, please visit our "News & Events" page.

After exiting the boardwalk the trail climbs gradually toward Mystic Falls, the first of two significant waterfalls along the Fairy Creek Loop. This multi-tiered waterfall drops roughly 70 ft. (21 m) over a series of small terraces, carving a narrow path in the fragile volcanic soils that border the Little Firehole River. Lodgepole pine trees defy gravity and take root along the vertical cliffs, perched on delicate ledges just above the river.

From Mystic Falls we continue climbing through a series switchbacks until we reach a small spur trail at the top of the ridge. A brief detour takes us to a spectacular overlook that sits high above the Upper Geyser Basin. Directly to the west lies Biscuit Basin and the Firehole River. This slow moving body of water threads its way past many of Yellowstone's most notable features including; Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring and Lone Star Geyser farther to the south. 

After taking one last look at the bustling tourist attractions of the Upper Geyser Basin we turn west and head deeper into the lodgepole forests of Yellowstone's backcountry. For the next few miles the Fairy Creek Trail passes through a mixture of new and old forests where the evidence of past wildfire activity can be seen along the trail. These new forests are a testament to the power and resiliency of nature and are a reminder of the natural cycles that constantly reshape these landscapes.

Our backcountry campsite for the evening gets a five-star rating and borders the Little Firehole Meadows at an elevation of 7,900 ft. (2,407 m). After dinner guests can relax in camp around the warm glow of a campfire, or wander down to the meadow and enjoy a quiet place among Yellowstone's immense wilderness.   

Day 2: Easy - 7 mi/11.2 km

On our second day we head north toward Midway Geyser Basin. Once again the trail is lined with new and older trees alike, a few resembling the poles of giant teepees. The forest here is untouched by fire and the natural understory is carpeted with lush and vibrant undergrowth. These towering pine trees cast long vertical shadows across a blanket of bright green vegetation with large, dark mounds of obsidian protruding from the forest floor, a subtle reminder of Yellowstone's volcanic history.

After about 4 miles (6.4 km) another overlook provides a panoramic view of Twin Buttes and Midway Geyser Basin. On a clear day the barren peaks of the Gallatin Range are visible to the north. From here the trail descends a dry and exposed hillside toward Imperial Geyser, our first stop in the area. This small but active geyser has near continuous eruptions that reach heights of 15 to 25 ft. (4-7 m). The water is a beautiful fluorescent blue and the edges of the pool are often bright red and gold, flowing east in a large runoff stream that takes us toward our next destination, Fairy Falls. This delicate waterfall descends 200 ft. (60 m) in a series of feathery strands that collect in a large pool at its base. This is a popular destination for day hikers who begin their trek at the Fairy Falls Trailhead (OK5), hiking the 5 miles (8 km) round-trip to this scenic waterfall. Our campsite is located nearby and we'll have the opportunity to return in the evening when the crowds have subsided.

Our final campsite is located in Imperial Meadows just north of Fairy Falls. This is another five-star accommodation with panoramic views in all directions. Bison and elk roam the surrounding landscapes beneath the distinct profiles of Twin Buttes. Fairy Falls is visible to the south, appearing as a dark notch in the otherwise unbroken hillsides flanking the meadow. As daylight fades, we'll settle in for the evening and prepare for an unobstructed view of the magnificent night sky. Stargazing apps like SkyView and Star Walk are ideal companions for this trip. 

Day 3: Easy - 6.8 mi/10.9 km

From our last campsite we'll continue north along well-worn paths toward the Lower Geyser Basin, passing smaller bubbling pools and springs associated with the Fairy Meadows Group. Before long we turn south and follow Fountain Freight Road past Goose Lake and the Firehole River. This is the ideal place to look for bald eagles and osprey. These magnificent birds are often perched in nearby trees or soaring overhead, their keen eyesight scanning the waters for an unsuspecting meal.

Further south we rejoin civilization as we approach Yellowstone's most iconic thermal feature, Grand Prismatic Spring. This colorful and iconic hot spring is a major park attraction and its boardwalks are usually filled with a myriad of tourists navigating its winding pathways. From an overlook opposite the spring guests will climb to a high vantage point, taking in the magnificent view. Grand Prismatic Spring is approximately 200-330 ft. (61-100 m) in diameter and nearly 121 ft. (37 m) deep, the largest feature of its kind found anywhere in the world.

Fountain Freight Road will take us short distance of 1.0 mile (1.6 km) to the Fairy Falls Trailhead (OK5) where we cross the highway to a connector trail, and continue heading south paralleling the Grand Loop Road. The last 2.5 miles (4 km) of the trail are mostly wooded as you follow the Powerline Trail back to the Biscuit Basin Trailhead (OK4) and the start/finish point for this short but spectacular three day adventure.