Horsetail Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Tahoe region, with Pyramid Creek dropping roughly 800 feet down glacier-carved granite faces at the edge of Desolation Wilderness. The Pyramid Creek Trail gains elevation quickly and the final stretch involves rock scrambling over granite slabs.
By height, it sits at #11 among the 775 waterfalls we track.
Horsetail Falls sits on Pyramid Creek. You'll find it in El Dorado, California. It is protected within Eldorado National Forest / Desolation Wilderness.
This is a moderate hike waterfall: a longer day hike, roughly one to several miles each way. Plan for a moderate hike; sturdy shoes, water, and a little time on the trail are worth bringing. Base a visit out of Twin Bridges, the closest town.
When to go: Late spring to early summer. Expect the strongest flow in spring and after big storms, with a quieter trickle by late summer; confirm current conditions with the land manager before committing to the drive.
