Yellowstone National Park is known for its wildlife, fishing rivers, thermal areas, and Old Faithful.  Millions have driven through the boundaries of this fabulous land.  Campers and RV’ers stay in the immaculate campgrounds.  Fishermen and women stake out their favorite river spots where the perfect trout await the opportunity to taste the latest tied Pale Morning Dunn or Hemmingway Caddis Fly.  Some younger people such as the group in the photo will strap on backpacks and become one with the land for a few nights.  This particular group found each other from across the nation and met at Yellowstone to discover treasures while hiking and camping and enjoying something they all have in common – mountains and hiking. 

Young people are not the only ones who like finding out what lies over the mountain!  I like to use the phrase “mountain climbing” yet, I’ve been informed that when one walks up a trail on a mountain it is “mountain hiking.” Regardless of the correct verbiage, just find me a mountain!  That’s true with my friend, Betty.  She is the Copy Editor of www.photoandtravel.com and for the past two years we have discovered a common love of the outdoors and mountain hiking.   While Betty is a young frisky 62, during this particular hike we met seniors older and in varying degrees of fitness who also were excited about hiking the mountain at Biscuit Basin.

Considered to be in the Old Faithful area, Biscuit Basin boardwalk winds through a thermal area filled with unusual geysers and fumaroles.  At the back of the boardwalk is a trailhead leading toward Mystic Falls.  At a cascading 70 feet, Mystic Falls is beautiful and rugged with steam rising from the right side.  The trails leading to Mystic Falls are both exciting and filled with scenic beauty each in its own way.  Of course there is the ever present sign “Beware of Bears – Bear Country.” 

While Mystic Falls is not a far hike, for those who don’t do this on a regular basis, it will take you one – four hours to complete the journey.  The trail divides into a left and right fork just a few yards after stepping off the boardwalk.  We took the left fork on the first day.  A senior man was coming back from the trail and stated, “If you haven’t done this before, take the left trail – it’s easier to walk.  Some were trying the right fork and they were having difficulty.”  So we heeded his advice and took the left fork. 

There were burned and charred lodgepole pines scattered throughout the area with smatterings of yellow, red, and violet blue flowers along the way.  The river, roaring and frothing to the left reminded me of living energy cutting through the meadows.  Beaver dams, boulders, and more lodgepole pines threatened to blockade the wildness of the river.  Returning back to the boardwalk area we decided on day two to take the right fork in the trail. 

Wow!  The right fork to Mystic Falls is thrilling.  With each switchback we climbed higher and higher until the people on the boardwalk looked like ants.  Labeled as moderate, the trail started at an expansive three feet width with black sand, and narrowed to a twelve inch path.  For anyone who is not afraid of heights this trail is nice.  I do suggest you take it slow, stop occasionally and enjoy the scenery.  While taking the higher trail, we did encounter families with young children making their way around to the falls.  At the pinnacle of the trail is an observation outlook.  Below, you will see the Biscuit Basin boardwalk in its entirety and the Firehole River as a blue ribbon winding through the meadows.  In the distance several miles away on a clear day you’ll discover Old Faithful, and if you’re there at the right time – a glorious eruption can be viewed. 

I used a walking staff which enabled me to feel steadier while hiking up this trail.  Being very sensitive to anything which causes pain, I really couldn’t detect any unusual stress on any joints other than having tired feet and being thirsty after completing the hike.  Wearing good ankle supporting hiking boots, using a walking staff, and taking along water as well as energy bars will help insure you a successful hike. 

When exploring Yellowstone, go with a buddy, use a walkie-talkie system, and let others in your group know where you’ll be.  Stay on the well-marked trails and practice bear safety as well as respecting other wildlife you may come across in the area.  In Yellowstone there are over 1,000 miles of trails for day hikes and overnight hiking campsites .   Checking in with the local ranger’s station in the area you plan to visit will increase your safety and give you valuable information about what is going on in the area.  Conditions change rapidly and constantly so be prepared.

While some may think hiking is a young person’s sport, many seniors have proven that easy to moderate hikes within your abilities can be beneficial to your health and rewarding at the same time.  With the appropriate preparations and precautions, active seniors can enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone up close and personal.  Happy Traveling!

(photos taken by Rhonda Pipkin – copyright 2006)