Is swimming allowed at Horsetail Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Horsetail Falls.

Live Conditions · 190 ft³/s · About average

Horsetail Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Horsetail Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Horsetail Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Horsetail Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A day-use permit is required for hiking in the Desolation Wilderness. Permits can be obtained at the trailhead or online.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Eldorado National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

jasonyurgelevic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

jasonyurgelevic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Tom Clifton CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Joe Wood CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

600 ft

About Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is a striking Sierra Nevada cascade near Twin Bridges, where water plunges over exposed granite slabs into a series of scenic drops. Fed by Pyramid Creek, the falls are at their most dramatic during spring and early summer snowmelt, when runoff fills chutes carved into the granite and creates long, horsetail-like ribbons of water. The setting blends open rock faces with pockets of forest, making for striking photo opportunities and close-up views of the cascade. The falls and approach sit within Eldorado National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Access is commonly made via the USFS route Mt. Ralston (Trail #17E41); the hike to the viewing area covers a total of roughly 3.0 miles round trip with about 600 feet of elevation gain and is typically rated moderate. There are rocky, sometimes steep sections on the way, so come prepared for uneven footing and variable trail conditions.

The Setting

Horsetail Falls sits at 7,274 feet within Eldorado National Forest, in the high mountains of California.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Mt. Ralston (#17E41), a 3.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 600 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

MT. RALSTON #17E41

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.51 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Horsetail Falls is most often reached via the Mt. Ralston Trail (USFS Trail #17E41). According to USFS data, that trail segment is classified as Class 3, with a native-material (NAT) surface and typical grades of 12–20%. A mapped segment of the trail is 0.51 miles, though the common out-and-back route to the falls totals about 3.0 miles with ~600 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Expect rocky footing and granite slabs; cairns may mark tricky sections and short steep pitches require sure-footed travel on the native trail surface.

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?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A day-use permit is required for hiking in the Desolation Wilderness. Permits can be obtained at the trailhead or online.

🏊 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 snowmelt creates a strong flow. Fall can also be a good time to visit for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

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 Eldorado National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially near the falls. Watch for loose rocks and be cautious around steep drop-offs. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

190 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

109 162 366 542

Based on 51 years of record

5.52 ft

Water depth at gauge

57°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 57 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility.

Water Quality

1.1 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

About This Gauge

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

UPPER TRUCKEE RV AT SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA

USGS 10336610

9.5 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 55 sq mi

Altitude: 6,229 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Horsetail Falls is accessed via the Pyramid Creek Trailhead, located off Highway 50 near Twin Bridges, California. The trailhead is well-marked and has a parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a parking lot at the Pyramid Creek Trailhead. A fee may be required for parking, and spaces can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Elevation

7274 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.830439° N, -120.123344° W

Land Management

Eldorado National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as the trail can be slippery in places. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as parts of the trail are exposed to the sun.

This trail sits at 7,274 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 29% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

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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.

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With 3.0 miles and 600 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

Badgers Den at Camp Richardson Resort

8.4 miles away · 84 sites

Reservable

Overview Badger’s Den Campground provides a Lake Tahoe and Camp Richardson Resort experience unlike any other. Featuring beach access, and all the amenities you can think of within walking distance, guests get to bask in the remarkable beauty of Tahoe without sacrificing the resort experience. The campground has 66 single standard tent sites and 18 standard double tent sites. Each campsite has a bear-proof food locker, picnic table, and fire pit with cooking grate. Tent camping only in this campg

Book on Recreation.gov