Leaving the Twin Bridges parking area, you will follow a trail that takes you along the west side of Pyramid Creek. You quickly leave the creek near its bend east, then rejoin it 1/2 mile later and follow it 250 yards northwest through open forest to another bend, then 160 yards north to the wilderness boundary, in a shady fir grove.

  Careful to keep your bearings, it can be easy to lose the trail!

  After about 200 yards of climbing up an increasingly steep hillside, you reach a vantage point from which you can look down the canyon for terrific views. You can also see the nearby lower Horsetail Falls, often roaring as it plunges 100 feet into a splashing pool.

  As you wind you way up toward the Falls, you will eventually re-join the river. You find there are stunning pools and small waterfalls that will be most pleasing to take pictures of or go for a frigid swim.

  The trail, veers away from the lower fall and starts west steeply up open slabs. In several places you'll probably have to use your hands as well as your feet. And you'll have to used good judgment in route finding. High above the lower fall the route bends north and diagonals up a talus slope before cutting 80 yards east to a small flat just above the brink of upper Horsetail Fall. The view from the flat are incredible!

  You will find this hike to Horsetail Falls can be somewhat cumbersome if you are the hiker that always likes to be on a trail. But, if you are willing to make the ascent, the views will reward your efforts.

*Warning - A number of hikers have been injured falling in or swimming around the falls. Please be careful!