About Horsetail Fall
Horsetail Fall is a waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 2.9 miles west of Yosemite Valley. Its mapped position is 37°43′45″ N, 119°37′43″ W (37.72912, -119.62848). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Ribbon Fall, 1.2 miles to the northwest.
High, thin Yosemite waterfall known for its orange-red glow at sunset on certain days in Feb.
More Photos
454 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Horsetail Fall
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Horsetail Fall
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
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 Fall. 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 Fall holds a 4.8 average from 107 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
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 37.72912, -119.62848. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Horsetail Fall
- Silver Strand Falls, CA2.8 mi southwest
- Staircase Falls, CA3.0 mi east
- Royal Arch Cascade, CA3.5 mi northeast
- Lehamite Falls, CA3.6 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horsetail Fall located?
Horsetail Fall is in Mariposa County, California, about 2.9 miles west of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.72912, -119.62848 (37°43′45″ N, 119°37′43″ W).
What town is closest to Horsetail Fall?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 2.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Horsetail Fall?
The closest is Ribbon Fall (1.2 mi northwest). Others within reach include Bridalveil Fall (1.3 mi), Sentinel Fall (1.8 mi), and Lower Yosemite Fall (2.3 mi).