One of the most spectacular and challenging hikes in the Tahoe region. Once you get up past Horsetail Falls, there are dozens of mountain lakes that you can explore and swim in. The hike from the trail head on Hwy 50 to just above the falls is the most challenging, basically straight up with some scrambling if you loose the way. On top of the falls you can go for a swim in Avalanche or Ropi Lake or go out further to Lake of the Woods or even Lake Aloha. Awesome multi-day backpacking out in the Desolation Wilderness, just make sure to get your permits.

The Pyramid Creek Trail up to Horsetail Falls is a great trail located right off Hwy 50. It is about 2 miles up to the base of the falls with some steeper more challenging terrain near the base of the falls. The trail can be hard to follow after about half way up, but you will be able to make it by following the river/creekside. A beautiful and huge flowing waterfall in the Spring. Visited in Mid May of 2023 after a record snow season.

Horsetail Falls is magical! Visited on 3/21/21 and the trail was covered in snow but hard packed, hiked all the way to the falls without putting my snowshoes on. Great workout, stunning views. Helpful to have GPS on your phone as trail fades in and out with the snow. GPS cell signal worked nearly up to the base of the falls. Note in the winter the lot is closed and the gate and restrooms are locked. You CANNOT park on Hwy 50 near the gate/lot area, it is well posted “”No Parking Any Time” and is enforced by the CHP. You must park along the roadway about a quarter mile west of the Trailhead lot. During the summer season when lot is open, parking is $8.

Magical, easy to moderate to difficult hike, you choose. All beautiful. Can't wait to go back and attain the summit of the waterfall, find the high lake sources of the never ending river.

Still a nice place to hike after the fire. Trailhead parking significantly limited during weekends in the summer, and trailhead bathrooms not well maintained. Trail is difficult to follow at times with numerous side branches that may or may not be the primary path. Pathway to the top of the waterfalls is slightly advanced. Beware of incorrect paths that are highly advanced.

A very fun trail to bring the family on, and very rewarding. Only half of the trail is maintained, so if you're going to the crest be sure to wear good shoes. PARKING fills up quickly, and there's a $10 charge (they take cards).

Great hike with incredible scenery. Went only up to the cascades since we had a 2yo toddler who did the hike. The hike itself is easy, only a couple of moderately steep inclines. The scenery along the hike is simply amazing. There are many spots alongside the creek to rest and take in the sights. Highly recommend it. Would have loved to make it all the way up to the falls.. next time for sure.

Worth the hike to the top of the falls if you have good balance. Absolutely beautiful. The only thing that could be improved would be more clearly marked hiking trails.

My favorite place. Plus parking and restrooms. Gorgeous cascades in a deep glacial valley. It got burnt right up to the falls, but bright green ferns and mosses are declaring themselves. Trail markers are few, so stay near the creek.

this is a trail located directly next to a beautiful river & waterfall.. so be ware of your foot placement..

Knee deep in the snow, views of waterfalls and rivers, you'll get wet, but totally worth it.

you need to arrive early to get lucky to find a parking spot. Very nice trail, a bit difficult but at the end you will be rewarded with fantastic views.

Awesome time to hike. Falls are flowing and the weather is mild. Arrived at 9:30am and the parking lot was 1/4 full. Hiking on a Sunday. Minimal crowds. Lot 3/4 full when we left around 1:15. Minimal crowds

Arrived arond 10am, still have enough parking space. The trail is short but without clear mark. So following gps is great idea. This year had plenty snow, the creek and waterfall are beatiful...

It’s a place for hiking during summer, but It’s a wonderful place to be in for skiing during winter season. It’s has a huge and long water falls, streams, creeks, lakes, and lots of trees. There are rocks with all shape and sizes. It’s a place where one must go deep into the place through hiking on steep hills to see beauty of nature has created.

It's a gorgeous location, the trail on the app tells you it's 4 miles, i don't know where that comes from. It's a very difficult hike and about maybe 3 miles into it it becomes a climb/hike that you're gonna need some really good shoes for and don't bring your pets. I don't recommend this for hiking beginners. Also the trail isn't very defined. But like I said the area is beautiful which is ultimately why you'd do something like this, just come prepared.

gate was closed. Vehicle is not allowed. Use parking lot at Heavenly resort. Very close to park.

The place is beautiful and the hike is good for anyone in at least moderate shape. The reason I took off a star was because likely due to a fire , the trail is not well marked. You won't get lost, but its easy to get off track. Stay to the left side of the ravine and creek. Wife says women's restrooms were disgusting and I overheard another lady say the same which is unfortunate as you'll pay $10 to visit here.

We just stopped there to use the restrooms. The restrooms consists of outhouses with no running water. 3 of the three were closed. The one open one was fairly clean. The location on highway 50 is convenient for a rest stop.

This is a brutal hike but so incredibly beautiful!

Quick hike, trail is fairly well marked, pretty technical in spots the destination to the foot of falls is pretty epic especially in early summer.