Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Horsetail Falls Trail

Eldorado National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
1,200 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through August
Dog Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
None
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Dramatic multiple-tier waterfall fed by snowmelt from the Desolation Wilderness
  • One of the most impressive spring waterfalls accessible from US-50 in the Sierra
  • Granite canyon approach through classic Sierra Nevada vegetation
  • Roaring Spring Creek audible throughout the approach
  • Peak season in May and June when snowmelt flows are highest

Overview

Horsetail Falls is the most dramatic waterfall hike accessible from US-50 in the Sierra Nevada, a multi-tier cascade fed by snowmelt from the Desolation Wilderness that reaches its peak in May and early June. The 4-mile round trip in the Eldorado National Forest starts from the Twin Bridges area and climbs through a granite canyon in California's El Dorado County to a viewpoint of the main falls, with an option to scramble to the falls base for those comfortable with technical terrain.

The trail is at its best in late spring: the roaring volume of the falls at peak snowmelt is genuinely impressive, and the canyon below fills with mist and the sound of moving water. By August the falls diminish to a trickle in most years, making timing critical for those hoping to see the waterfall at full force.

The Route

Trailhead to Canyon Entry (0 to 0.8 miles)

The trail begins at the Twin Bridges pullout and immediately enters the Pyramid Creek drainage heading toward the falls. The trail is informal in places and requires some route-finding on granite slabs. Follow the creek upstream and watch for cairns marking the route.

Canyon Approach (0.8 to 1.8 miles)

The trail climbs through the canyon on a mix of use trail and maintained path, with the creek audible throughout. The granite slabs in this section can be slippery when wet from spray or recent rain. The lower falls come into view from around mile 1.5.

Falls Viewpoint (2.0 miles)

The main falls viewpoint provides the best view of the full drop. The falls cascade in multiple tiers down a granite face, and the spray is significant near the viewpoint in peak flow season. Some hikers scramble to the base of the lowest tier, which requires Class 2-3 moves on wet granite. This scrambling section is where the technical nature of the route becomes most pronounced.

When to Hike

May and June offer the peak experience: maximum snowmelt flow and dramatic falls. This is also the most crowded period. Arrive early on weekends as parking reaches capacity quickly.

July sees reduced but still photogenic falls in average-snowpack years. The trail is less crowded after the main snowmelt period.

August and beyond brings very reduced flows that may disappoint visitors expecting the spring waterfall experience.

What to Bring

Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended in May and June when the trail surface is wet and the creek crossings are active. A rain jacket helps near the falls during high flow periods. No water source at the trailhead; carry sufficient water from the start.

Trailhead Access

The Twin Bridges pullout is on US-50 between Kyburz and Strawberry. Parking is a gravel pull-out and fills rapidly on spring weekends. No restroom. No fee or permit required (as of 2026). Limited to 20 to 25 vehicles.

Dogs are not recommended due to the technical scrambling terrain.

Nearby

Horsetail Falls is in the western Eldorado near Lovers Leap Trail. The Crystal Basin Recreation Area is 20 to 30 minutes east via US-50 for those continuing to Wrights Lake or Ice House Reservoir. Check current trail and water conditions using the USFS guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles near the falls where concentrated visitor traffic damages the fragile riparian vegetation.

Trailhead Parking

Pullout at the Twin Bridges area on US-50. Limited gravel pull-out parking for 20 to 25 vehicles. Arrives at capacity by mid-morning on spring weekends.

← Back to Eldorado National Forest

More Trails in Eldorado National Forest

moderateout-and-back

Emigrant Lake Trail

7.2 mi1,600 ft gain
July through October

A 7.2-mile out-and-back to a remote lake in the Mokelumne high country via a historic emigrant route, with views of volcanic Sierra peaks and excellent solitude in the southern Eldorado National Forest.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Grouse Lake Trail

5.6 mi1,500 ft gain
July through October

A 5.6-mile out-and-back to a high-elevation granite lake on the edge of the Desolation Wilderness, accessible from the Wrights Lake Trailhead with views of the Sierra Nevada high country.

3 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Lovers Leap Trail

3.2 mi800 ft gain
April through November

A 3.2-mile hike to the summit plateau above Lovers Leap, one of Northern California's premier rock climbing walls, with American River canyon views and accessible terrain near Strawberry, California.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Mokelumne Peak Trail

14 mi3,800 ft gain
July through October

A strenuous 14-mile out-and-back to the 9,332-foot summit of the Mokelumne Wilderness, the defining summit hike of the Eldorado National Forest with views of the Sierra Nevada from Lake Tahoe to the Central Valley.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Rubicon Trail

10.4 mi1,400 ft gain
June through October

A 10.4-mile out-and-back following the Rubicon River through a glacially carved Sierra Nevada canyon with swimming holes, granite scenery, and connections to the Desolation Wilderness trail network.

3 min read

easy-moderateloop

Silver Lake Trail

6 mi700 ft gain
June through October

A 6-mile loop around Silver Lake in the Amador County section of the Eldorado National Forest, combining reservoir views with mountain meadow hiking at 7,200 feet elevation near Kirkwood.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Wentworth Springs Trail

8.6 mi1,800 ft gain
June through October

An 8.6-mile out-and-back through the Crystal Basin high country with panoramic granite lake views, connecting the Loon Lake area to the historic Wentworth Springs area in the northern Eldorado National Forest.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Horsetail Falls Trail take?
The 4-mile round trip takes most hikers 2 to 3.5 hours. The trail gains 1,200 feet to the falls viewpoint, with some scrambling near the falls that adds time. The upper section to the falls base requires careful route-finding.
Is Horsetail Falls Trail dog friendly?
Dogs are not recommended on Horsetail Falls Trail. The trail becomes significantly more technical near the falls, with scrambling on wet granite slabs where dogs cannot safely follow. Additionally, the falls overlook is in the Desolation Wilderness where dogs are permitted but the technical terrain makes it unsafe for most dogs.
When is the best time to visit Horsetail Falls?
May and June offer the most spectacular flows, when snowmelt from the Desolation Wilderness high country is at its peak. The falls drop significantly in volume by late July and are much reduced by August in most years.