Is swimming allowed at Horsetail Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Horsetail Falls.

Live Conditions · 18 ft³/s · About average

Horsetail Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Horsetail Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Horsetail Falls.

California • Yosemite National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

Toiyabe National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

scorpio-tiger CC BY-SA 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

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

600 ft

About Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls tumbles out of the Sierra Nevada near Twin Bridges, part of the Pyramid Creek drainage, spilling over exposed granite into a scenic canyon. The cascade sits on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Toiyabe National Forest, and the primary access route is the USFS HORSE CREEK ROUTE (Trail #22074). The route and surrounding granite make for dramatic photo opportunities and a rewarding short hike. The most common approach is a moderate 3.0-mile out-and-back that gains about 600 feet, making Horsetail Falls a popular half-day destination for hikers and nature lovers. If you want to camp nearby, Lower Twin Lakes campground at Bridgeport is about 5.66 km away and provides a convenient base for an overnight trip. Expect a mix of forest and rocky creekside scenery en route to the falls — a great option for a classic Sierra day hike.

The Setting

Horsetail Falls sits at 7,664 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California.

Trail & Hike Details

3.0 mi distance 600 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Horse Creek Route (#22074), 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 moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

HORSE CREEK ROUTE #22074

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

+12-20%

USFS Segment

0.26 mi

Trail Description

The official USFS access is the HORSE CREEK ROUTE (Trail #22074). According to USFS data the mapped segment to the falls is about 0.26 GIS miles along a native material surface. The route is rated Class 2 and typically grades between +12–20%, so you’ll encounter moderately steep sections underfoot. Overall the approach is a 3.0-mile out-and-back with roughly 600 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Trail conditions include rocky terrain and steeper, scramble-prone spots near the creek and the falls—good footwear and basic route-finding are recommended.

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: $0.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Horsetail Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer 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 Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery and steep in sections, especially near the falls. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra Nevada, so be prepared for sudden rain or temperature drops.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

18 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

12 15 40 63

Based on 49 years of record

1.54 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

ROBINSON CK AT TWIN LKS OUTLET NR BRIDGEPORT, CA

USGS 10290500

3.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 39 sq mi

Altitude: 7,050 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge ROBINSON CK AT TWIN LKS OUTLET NR BRIDGEPORT, CA (6 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

18 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

18 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

18 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

18 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

16 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

16 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to mid August, 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 Twin Lakes 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.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 138 feet through Horsetail Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 7,670 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 99 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 130 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Horsetail Falls near Twin Lakes, California, showing about 138 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 7,670 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 138 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Horsetail Falls is located off Highway 50 near Twin Bridges, California. The trailhead begins at the Pyramid Creek Trailhead, which is well-marked and accessible from the highway.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Pyramid Creek Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. A parking fee may be required, so visitors should check local signage or official resources for details.

Elevation

7,664 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.139364° N, -119.379884° W

Land Management

Toiyabe National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Be cautious near the falls, as rocks can be slippery.

This trail sits at 7,664 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 31% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

LOWER TWIN LAKES AT BRIDGEPORT

3.5 miles away · 15 sites

Reservable

Overview Lower Twin Lakes Campground is located just 10 miles from Bridgeport, California. The Twin Lakes area is close by, offering boating, fishing, hiking and horseback riding opportunities. Recreation Robinson Creek offers good rainbow trout fishing and can be easily accessed from within the campground. Numerous hiking trails are in the vicinity, including the popular Robinson Creek Trail.Facilities The campground contains several single-family sites with picnic tables, food storage lockers a

Book on Recreation.gov