About Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls is a named waterfall in El Dorado County, California, located about 10 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Echo Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 38°49′50″ N, 120°07′24″ W (38.83044, -120.12334). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Avalanche Lake (lake, 0.2 mi), Pitt Lake (lake, 0.4 mi), and Ropi Lake (lake, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Sawyier Falls, 3.7 miles to the northeast.
Waterfall cascading about 500 feet in stages, amid Desolation Wilderness & near a hiking trail.
More Photos
592 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Horsetail Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Horsetail Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Horsetail Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Horsetail Falls holds a 4.8 average from 115 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Horsetail Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Avalanche Lake — lake, 0.2 mi
- Pitt Lake — lake, 0.4 mi
- Ropi Lake — lake, 0.7 mi
- Osma Lake — lake, 0.8 mi
- Toem Lake — lake, 1.0 mi
- Frata Lake — lake, 1.0 mi
- Desolation Lake — lake, 1.1 mi
- Ralston Peak — summit, 1.2 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 38.83044, -120.12334. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Horsetail Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horsetail Falls located?
Horsetail Falls is in El Dorado County, California, about 10 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. Its coordinates are 38.83044, -120.12334 (38°49′50″ N, 120°07′24″ W).
What town is closest to Horsetail Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is South Lake Tahoe, CA, about 10 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Horsetail Falls?
The closest is Sawyier Falls (3.7 mi northeast). Others within reach include Eagle Falls (8.4 mi), Bassi Falls (12 mi), and East Snow Mountain Falls (33 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Horsetail Falls?
Horsetail Falls appears on the USGS Echo Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.