About Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls is a named waterfall in Mono County, California, located about 11 miles southeast of Mammoth Lakes. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Convict Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°32′22″ N, 118°49′46″ W (37.53938, -118.82957). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Mount Aggie (summit, 0.8 mi), Buzztail Spring (spring, 1.0 mi), and Mount Baldwin (summit, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Twin Falls, 11 miles to the northwest.
Weather at Horsetail Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Horsetail Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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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.
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.
- Mount Aggie — summit, 0.8 mi
- Buzztail Spring — spring, 1.0 mi
- Mount Baldwin — summit, 1.3 mi
- Bright Dot Lake — lake, 1.8 mi
- Esha Canyon — valley, 1.9 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 37.53938, -118.82957. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Horsetail Falls
- First Falls, CA36 mi southeast
- Whisky Falls, CA38 mi southwest
- Bunnell Cascade, CA38 mi west
- Pywiack Cascade, CA40 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horsetail Falls located?
Horsetail Falls is in Mono County, California, about 11 miles southeast of Mammoth Lakes. Its coordinates are 37.53938, -118.82957 (37°32′22″ N, 118°49′46″ W).
What town is closest to Horsetail Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Mammoth Lakes, CA, about 11 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 Twin Falls (11 mi northwest). Others within reach include Rainbow Falls (15 mi), Lower Rainbow Falls (15 mi), and Minaret Falls (16 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Horsetail Falls?
Horsetail Falls appears on the USGS Convict Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.