California hiking trails – Horsetail Falls photos
By Jeremy Branham on Jun 10, 2012 with Comments 11
One of the best northern California hiking trails is located just a few miles from South Lake Tahoe, California. Horsetail Falls is a great day hike for anyone searching for one of the best waterfalls in northern California.
Mountains, streams, valleys, and a towering waterfall – Horsetail Falls is one of the best, short day hikes in northern California.
Check out my Horsetail Falls hiking guide video for more photos and videos of the waterfall in action.
California hiking trails – Horsetail Falls photos
Located in Twin Bridges, Horsetail Falls cascades over the rocks as it zigzags its way over rocks turning gracefully as it thunders down nearly 800 feet to the creek below.
Horsetail Falls trail head
As you head towards Lake Tahoe on Highway 50, the turnoff for the trail head is on your left in Twin Bridges.
Pyramid Creek sign leading to Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls – this way
Bathrooms and information before your hike
Pyramid Creek trail entrance
Begin your hike at the trailhead and walk over the rocks. Pyramid Creek welcomes your arrival with a small waterfall. The trail entertains you with the sounds of rushing water as your hike follows the creek.
Pyramid Creek entrance welcomes you!
A small waterfall welcomes you to the trail
Wilderness Boundary and Pyramid Creek trail sign
As you pass the small waterfall and stream, you come to a fork in the trail. To your left is Wilderness Boundary and to your right is the Pyramid Creek Loop trail. Stay to the right and follow the creek to get a view of the valley, trees, and Horsetail Falls from the trail.
I came to a fork in the trail – take the one more traveled
Pyramid Creek Loop trail
This popular California hiking trail will lead you over large granite rocks as the mountains watch from above.
Looking up to the mountains
Hiking over the rocks
Cascade Vista
After walking along the granite rocks, you are surprised by a torrent of rushing water. However, turn around to get a valley view that many compare to Yosemite. Welcome to Cascade Vista.
This torrent of water gets your attention but only to point you to…
the views of the valley from Cascade Vista
First view of Horsetail Falls
Looking up, you get a view of the mountains that surround you. Looking ahead, you get your first peak of Horsetail Falls.
A view of the mountains
first view of Horsetail Falls
Pyramid Creek trail – from rocks to trees
As you leave Cascade Vista, the trail changes. Instead of walking over granite, you are now walking among the trees. Enjoy more views of the water and mountains around you with peek-a-boo views of Horsetail Falls.
Reflections
Horsetail Falls in the distance
mountains and trees
Desolation Wilderness Eldorado National Forest
The second part of the hike leads you into Desolation Wilderness. Fill out the form, place your permit in the box, and carry your registration with you. Like many of the northern California hiking trails, the permit in this part of Desolation Wilderness is free.
As you head into the forest, following the trail can be difficult as it crosses over water and winds through the woods. Stay close to Pyramid Creek and enjoy the twists, turns, and cascades of water as they flow over rocks and branches.
Welcome to Desolation Wilderness!
Fill out the forms as a permit is required (free)
Enjoy your hike!
Pyramid Creek – streams, waterfalls, and mountains
While this part of the hike provides you with refreshing views of Pyramid Creek, don’t forget to look at the mountains above.
The views along the water get better
rushing water
The water rages on with a view of the mountains
The calmer side of Pyramid Creek
Off the Pyramid Creek trail – views from above
When hiking this part of the trail, stay close to the water. If you begin climbing up the rocks, you are getting off the trail. The views of Horsetail Falls and the valley below are exhilarating. However, climbing down from the rocks and getting back on the trail isn’t easy.
A view from above
Snow on the mountains
Horsetail Falls – a view from above the trees
Horsetail Falls trail
On the final part of the hike, climb over rocks and around bushes as make your way to Horsetail Falls. As you get closer, Horsetail Falls is clearly seen and heard.
Don’t worry – the hike isn’t this steep
Almost there!
Horsetail Falls
As you reach the Falls, stop and enjoy the views. Horsetail Falls will amaze you with its power and size. However, views of the mountains and valley will take your breath away as the cool mist of the water refreshes your spirit and skin.
A view of Horsetail Falls from the bottom
Another view from the bottom
A view of the valley from Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls – up close
Hiking to the top of Horsetail Falls
Continue to hike up the rocks alongside Horsetail Falls. Be careful as this area can be difficult to navigate so proceed at your own risk. Your reward is more amazing views of Horsetail Falls and the valley below.
The hike to the top begins!
Looking down from high up on Horsetail Falls
The hike up the trail can be scary
Capturing the moment
Wilderness Boundary
As you hike down, take the Wilderness Boundary trail for a different view of the surrounding area.
hiking down the Wilderness Boundary trail
A different view on the way down
A California hiking trail getaway
For day hikers or family hikers, Horsetail Falls is one of the best California hiking trails for short hikes. Many people may not be aware that this waterfall exists. While there are many northern California hiking trails near Lake Tahoe, Horsetail Falls is one of the easiest and most beautiful hikes in the area (Discover more places to hike with my northern California hiking guide or check out another Horsetail Falls hiking guide).
While Yosemite may have some of the best views of any park in the country, spending a day hiking Horsetail Falls is a great getaway in northern California.
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Filed Under: California • Destinations • Hiking • northern California
I'm Jeremy Branham and I love to travel. Check out my travel stories, guides, sports travels, and adventures.
Beautiful vistas and great hike – but what really fascinates me are the names: They are so suggestive.
Italian Notes recently posted..The origin of urban planning
When you look at Horsetail Falls from a distance, it’s easy to to see why it gets its name!
Unlike many waterfalls you see, this one just doesn’t dump water over the edge. It flows in a zig zag pattern and xreates the illusion of a long tail. It really is fascinating to see it up close.
These trails sound very interesting, particularly that it’s a great family hiking destination. Although, looking at the pictures and that rock climbing part, it does look a wee bit challenging. An adventure for beginners.
Michael recently posted..Comparing Two Budget Hotels In Germany
The great thing about this trail is that it isn’t long and there is not a lot of elevation. However, there is a little bit of a climb and climbing up and over rocks and bushes makes this a moderate hike. It is not difficult at all. I wouldn’t recommend small children doing it but I met a guy taking his sons all the way to the top and they were ages 8 and 10. I also saw people in varying degrees of fitness and they didn’t have any problems doing the hike.
Doesn’t get much more beautiful than that!
And it’s not that difficult to hike either. Probably not a view many people would expect to see in this area. Do you like to hike?
Looks like a beautiful trail and waterfall. Reminds me of Utah.
Traveling Ted recently posted..The Teva Riva hiking boot is as good as gold
Not exactly a view I expected in California. I know there are some great hikes in this area and of course I know about Yosemite. However, this waterfall was pretty impressive.
What place does this look like in Utah? I haven’t visited Utah yet but I’ve heard there are a lot of great places to hike there.
Looks and sounds like a nice hike. And you seem to have had great weather for it!
Amanda recently posted..The Prettiest Place You’ve Never Heard Of
Wow, beautiful. It’s so lovely to hike this beautiful trail. Like the name, by the way.
Insidejourneys recently posted..5 Things to do in Montego Bay
Hi there,
The pictures are beautiful, you can almost hear the water and smell the trees. I grew up in Cali and miss all that it has to offer. Wonderful hiking scenery.
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