About Lake Tahoe - Hiking - Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls

The Vitals; Elevation change 1,400 feet (hike) - 600 feet (falls)
click here for topo map click here for the Horsetail Falls Gallery

The Horsetail Falls hike is one of the most scenic in the Lake Tahoe area, if you go to the top of the falls. If you go to the base of the falls it's still an excellent way to spend an afternoon. The creek has many pools in which you can swim though the water is very cold until mid summer. Even half way up the falls there are places you can take a dip when in the late summer when the water is low.
Caution- Many have died here wading just a bit too far into the water. The bottom is slippery and even when the water is low, it can be quite overpowering.
When you reach the base of the falls the trail will all but disappear. At some points there will be green or yellow arrows on the rocks to mark the way. The granite slabs here are quite steep and this hike is not for the timid. The easiest routes take you away from the falls until you reach the top, at Avalanche Lake. This is your reward. One would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful alpine lake anywhere. There are no less than four small streams flowing into this shallow lake, which does get quite warm from mid summer on. There are many more small lakes or pools right in this area and exploring is highly recommended. This route can also access Pyramid Peak, Lake Aloha, and Lake of the Woods.