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 · 24 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Horsetail Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Horsetail Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Horsetail Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Gallatin National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

Matt Lavin CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is a graceful horsetail-style cascade tucked into Gallatin National Forest in Montana and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls spill over rocky cliff bands into a wooded canyon and are most commonly reached via the East Fork Hyalite Trail (USFS Trail #434), making this a compact but scenic destination for hikers and photographers seeking a classic mountain-waterfall outing. The route to the falls is an inviting, moderate day hike — an out-and-back of about 4.5 miles with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain — that suits families and experienced day hikers alike. If you want to extend your stay, Chisholm Campground is nearby (about 4.89 km away), and the Forest Service maintains the trailhead and seasonal facilities, so you’ll find a well-signed approach and a natural, forested setting around the cascade.

The Setting

Horsetail Falls sits at 8,389 feet within Gallatin National Forest, in the high alpine of Montana.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Palisades Falls (80 ft) lies 2.2 miles to the north. Also nearby: Palisade Falls (80 ft, 2.3 mi).

Palisades Falls Palisade Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows East Fork Hyalite (#434), a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

EAST FORK HYALITE #434

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.11 mi

Trail Description

Trail: East Fork Hyalite (USFS Trail #434). Surface: native material (natural singletrack). USFS trail data classifies Trail #434 as Class 3 and records a mapped GIS segment of 0.11 miles for the official trail entry; in practice visitors follow a combined route that totals about 4.5 miles out-and-back with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: moderate — expect natural-surface tread and at least short Class 3 sections that may require careful footwork. Trail type: out-and-back. Amenities and camping: Chisholm Campground is approximately 4.89 km from the trailhead.

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 in late spring or early summer when the water flow is strongest. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage.

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 Gallatin National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can become muddy or icy.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 1 day ago Strong

24 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

46 57 130 169

Based on 75 years of record

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

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

Hyalite C at Hyalite R S nr Bozeman MT

USGS 06050000

11.3 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 49 sq mi

Altitude: 5,540 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Horsetail Falls is accessed via the Blodgett Canyon Trailhead near Hamilton, Montana. From Hamilton, take US-93 to Blodgett Camp Road, and follow signs to the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Blodgett Canyon Trailhead. The lot may fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

8389 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.440766° N, -110.916331° W

Land Management

Gallatin National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Bug spray is recommended in summer due to mosquitoes. Check trail conditions before visiting, as snow or mud may impact accessibility in early spring or late fall.

This trail sits at 8,389 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 500 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

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Nearby Campground

CHISHOLM CAMPGROUND

3.0 miles away · 10 sites

Reservable

Overview Chisholm Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, 18 miles south of Bozeman, Montana. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and climbing.Recreation Hyalite Reservoir offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Anglers fish for Yellowstone cutthroat, Arctic grayling and brook trout. Hyalite

Book on Recreation.gov