Are there fees or permits required for Horsetail Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Horsetail Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Horsetail Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Horsetail Falls.

Live Conditions · 37 ft³/s · About average

Horsetail Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Horsetail Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Horsetail Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 7 other waterfalls also named Horsetail Falls, see below

Inyo National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

GSEC CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

PeterThoeny CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

JusDaFax CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

PeterThoeny CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked into the Eastern Sierra near Crowley Lake, flowing over smooth granite slabs that shine after a fresh snowmelt. Nestled within Inyo National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls are at their most dramatic in spring and early summer when runoff swells the creek, making for beautiful photo opportunities and the classic Eastern Sierra scenery. The most common approach follows the McGee Creek Trail and finishes on a very short USFS spur (McGee Creek Spur, Trail #2902B) that drops you right to the brink. The area is easily combined with a stay at nearby Crowley Lake Campground, which is about 6.35 km away, making this a great half-day outing for hikers who want a quick, scenic destination within the national forest.

The Setting

Horsetail Falls sits at 9,058 feet within Inyo National Forest, in the high alpine of California.

Trail & Hike Details

4.5 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Mcgee Creek Spur (#2902B), a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 800 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

MCGEE CREEK SPUR #2902B

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

5-8%

USFS Segment

0.02 mi

Trail Description

Access to Horsetail Falls is via the McGee Creek Trail with a final short approach on the USFS McGee Creek Spur (Trail #2902B). The spur to the falls is extremely short (approximately 0.02 miles) and is composed of native material. The full outing is roughly 4.5 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with about 800 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Trail specifics from the USFS: Class 2 route on native-material surface with a typical grade of 5–8%. The route is generally well-marked but includes some rocky and uneven sections—expect typical Sierra trail tread rather than paved or heavily improved surfaces. Best flows occur in spring and early summer during peak snowmelt; the trail and falls sit within Inyo National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Horsetail Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Horsetail Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Horsetail Falls is during late spring and early summer when the snowmelt creates a strong flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Inyo National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so be prepared for sudden storms. Carry a map or GPS device as cell service may be limited.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

37 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

31 34 57 74

Based on 36 years of record

0.99 ft

Water depth at gauge

91°F

Warm

Very comfortable

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. The water is warm at 91 degrees F, very comfortable for swimming.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

HOT C A FLUME NR MAMMOTH LAKES CA

USGS 10265150

9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 68 sq mi

Altitude: 6,953 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge HOT C A FLUME NR MAMMOTH LAKES CA (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

37 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

37 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

37 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

37 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

40 cfs

5/10

Tue

Moderate

39 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

37 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

37 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to late July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Crowley Lake hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The bare-earth surface loses about 195 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 9,047 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 191 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 227 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Horsetail Falls near Crowley Lake, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Horsetail Falls near Crowley Lake, California, showing about 195 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 9,047 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 195 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Horsetail Falls is located near Crowley Lake, approximately 5 miles away. The trailhead can be accessed via McGee Creek Road, which is off Highway 395. Follow signs for McGee Creek Trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the McGee Creek Trailhead. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

9,058 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.539379° N, -118.829571° W

Land Management

Inyo National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be exposed to the sun in some sections. Check weather conditions before heading out.

This trail sits at 9,058 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.5 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Crowley Lake Campground

3.9 miles away · 47 sites

Reservable

Overview Crowley Lake Campground offers 47 RV/tent sites, maximum recommended RV length is 30 feet. All sites include a fire pit, picnic table and a lantern holder. No hook-up. Potable water is available. Dump station fee is $10.00, no passes accepted. Closest amenities are 2 miles south in Crowley, or 10 miles north in Mammoth Lakes. Recreation Popular activities include lake and stream fishing, boating, windsurfing, horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Facilities Crowley Lake Campgro

Book on Recreation.gov