Horsetail Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls spills down the rocky walls of Keystone Canyon just outside Valdez, its thread-like cascades earning the name that evokes a horse’s flowing tail. The falls sit amid the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and are a favorite stop for visitors driving the scenic approach into Valdez—an easy-to-enjoy natural highlight that photographs beautifully in all seasons. The waterfall and access sit on State Patented land with an SOTH designation and are managed by SDNR. For hikers looking to move beyond a quick viewpoint, the established route to Horsetail Falls offers a compact outing that balances accessible scenery with a bit of uphill work—making it a satisfying option for a half-day adventure in the canyon.
The Setting
Horsetail Falls sits at 482 feet within State Patented, in the coastal lowlands of Alaska.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Horsetail Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 2.4 miles (round-trip). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The trail is a defined route that leads to views of Horsetail Falls and back to the trailhead; specific surface, grade, or technical class details are not specified in the available data.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
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
Summer is the best time to visit for easy access and vibrant scenery, but the frozen waterfall in winter offers a unique and breathtaking sight.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and icy conditions in winter. Always stay on designated paths and avoid getting too close to the water.
Current Water Conditions
1,090 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 12 years of record
4.10 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LOWE R AB HORSETAIL FALLS NR VALDEZ AK (0 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
1220 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
1006 cfs
2/10Sun
Low
873 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
872 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
809 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
761 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
673 cfs
4/10Best window: Sun — low flow, widespread rain showers (trip score 4/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early June to late August, peaking in August.
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 Valdez 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.
3-meter lidar measures about 272 feet of descent through Horsetail Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 450 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 322 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 110 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 450 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 272 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Horsetail Falls is located along the Richardson Highway, approximately 13 miles east of Valdez, Alaska. It is easily accessible by car and visible from the highway.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls along the highway, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
482 feet above sea level
Coordinates
61.068056° N, -145.905556° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the summer for the best views and easier access. In winter, ensure your vehicle is equipped for icy road conditions. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Glacier Hotel
Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
House on the Rock B&B
Valdez Loft View Apartment
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
JACK BAY CABIN
20.8 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Jack Bay Cabin is located at the east end of Jack Bay in the Chugach National Forest. Visitors to the cabin will find many opportunities for recreation and relaxation in the vicinity. Access to the site is by float plane or boat only. The flight is typically 15 minutes from Valdez or 30 minutes from Cordova. It is 20 miles from Valdez by boat and 70 miles from Cordova. Tides affect access to this cabin, so it is important to check local tide information. Visitors are responsible for thei
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in Keystone Canyon, such as Bridal Veil Falls, and the town of Valdez.
Wildlife
The area may have wildlife such as birds, bears, and moose. Exercise caution and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Horsetail Falls
7 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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