Horsetail Falls via Pyramid Trail(edit)

Overview

This is an easy trail with a loop in Eldorado National Forest. Starts from the Pyramid Creek parking area. The trail leaves the east end parking area, goes east to the creek and then follows the creek uphill. The creek loop starts about 1/4 mile from the parking area with a branch to some cascades about 100 yards to the east. The main trail continues northward. Although the trail is heavily used, it's not marked well and there are many braids. In about half a mile, the creek loop rejoins the main trail. If you decide to return along the creek loop, be aware that it swings to the north and goes into a wooded area before swinging to the south and returning along the creek.

The trail enters the wilderness about 1/4 mile north of the junction. Goes though a wooded area with many braids. Try to identify the real trail and stick to that. The trail becomes rocky with manzanita thickets and ends at a place where you can look up at the falls.

Travel beyond this point can be difficult and dangerous. An unmaintained route kicks over to the left and climbs to the top of the falls. If you attempt this, keep well away from the creek. Every couple of years, there's a fatality at Horsetail Falls

Getting Started

Park at the Pyramid Creek parking area at Twin Bridges on US 50. There's a $5 parking fee. If you take the trail past the wilderness boundary you can write yourself a day use permit at the information board at the wilderness boundary. Overnight users will need to get a permit from recreation.gov or a ranger station. No campfires in Desolation.

Taking Children

It's an easy trail, but don't get to close to the creek when it's running high. You can check the flow at Twin Bridges gaging station on El Dorado Irrigation District's website. Search for water data. A flow of 2 cfs or less should be ok, but be careful.