Who on the way up to Tahoe hasn’t caught a glimpse of Horsetail Falls, the spectacular, 800-foot cataract visible from Highway 50 at Twin Bridges? The half-day trek to the lower falls is one of the premier hiking experiences in the Tahoe area — and one best saved for cool weather or an overcast day if you’re accompanied by a canine companion.
Why? The granite slabs over which the trail passes are scenic as all get out, but they can heat up to broiling on a hot summer day. If you don’t have booties for your pooch, you’ll want to be extra vigilant about finding shade. A good test: press the back of your hand to the rock for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paw pads.
The Pyramid Creek Trail that departs from the parking lot and parallels the lower cascades calls for extreme caution, as people have died here by slipping on the rocks and being swept away. Heavy snowmelt can contribute to a spectacular flow and spectacularly dangerous conditions for unwary gawkers, so during peak runoff you might want to skip the climb into Desolation Wilderness and admire the falls from afar.
The Pyramid Creek Loop Trail, which branches off the main trail about a half-mile in from the parking lot, is a great alternative. You’ll find lots of canine-friendly shade along this route, along with safe, granite-rimmed pools for you and your pup to splash in. The scenery is spectacular — towering granite, dense pine forest, and the sound of rushing water around every bend — but keep a close watch on your dog near the creek’s edge where currents pick up speed.
On the way back to the trailhead, a sheared-off dome formation on the other side of the highway is sure to catch your attention. That’s Lover’s Leap, a prominent landmark that can be summited via a trail leaving from nearby Camp Sacramento. It’s a steep, 45-minute trek that will have you standing on top of the world and admiring Horsetail Falls from a perspective reminiscent of Yosemite. Bring water for both of you and expect a lot of panting.
Parking at the Horsetail Falls trailhead fills up fast on summer weekends — aim to arrive before 9 a.m. or you’ll be circling. A Desolation Wilderness day permit is required if you plan to hike beyond the lower falls area. These are available for free at the trailhead kiosk, but self-registration means bringing your own pen.
