About Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls is a named waterfall in Chugach County, Alaska, located about 15 miles east of Valdez. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Valdez A-6 SE 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 61°04′05″ N, 145°54′20″ W (61.06806, -145.90556). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Keystone Canyon (valley, 0.7 mi), Browns Creek (stream, 1.4 mi), and Snowslide Gulch (valley, 1.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Bridal Veil Falls, 0.4 miles to the east.
Hiking trails through a lush spruce forest lead to this scenic waterfall with an observation area.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Horsetail Falls:
photo opportunitieseasy accesslocationveilbridalfalls
More Photos
146 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.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Horsetail Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Anchorage 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 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 36 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.
- Keystone Canyon — valley, 0.7 mi
- Browns Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Snowslide Gulch — valley, 1.8 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 61.06806, -145.90556. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Horsetail Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horsetail Falls located?
Horsetail Falls is in Chugach County, Alaska, about 15 miles east of Valdez. Its coordinates are 61.06806, -145.90556 (61°04′05″ N, 145°54′20″ W).
What town is closest to Horsetail Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Valdez, AK, about 15 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 Bridal Veil Falls (0.4 mi east). Others within reach include Rudleston Falls (1.2 mi), Sahlin Falls (26 mi), and Ohman Falls (35 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Horsetail Falls?
Horsetail Falls appears on the USGS Valdez A-6 SE 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.