Hiking to Horsetail Falls, Utah Girl on a Hike

Hiking to Horsetail Falls, Utah

Horsetail Falls is one of my favorite hikes to do with the dogs. I always do this hike in the spring time because I love seeing the spring run off gushing over the falls. This time, I wanted to see it frozen and in snowy conditions. To be honest, I love seeing these falls year round – the views never fail to amaze me. Horsetail Falls is roughly 100 ft high.

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The trail is mostly shaded, yet rocky. Be prepared for a good workout, as this trail climbs 1,700 ft in just 2.2 miles. Be advised that horses frequently use this trail, so it’s a good idea to have a leash handy. There are two stream crossings which have water year round. You can hike to both the top and base of the falls.

Directions

From I-15, take exit 289 for 138th South/Bangeter, and head East past Harmon’s grocery store. Stay on Bangeter up the hill as it turns into Traverse Ridge Rd. At the first stop sign near the top of the hill, turn left onto Suncrest Drive, and drive down the other side of “Point of The Mountain” as the locals call it. Turn left on W 118th N, and drive past the LDS church. Turn Right on W 200th N. At the 2nd stop sign, turn left onto Grove Drive.

You will drive through a small neighborhood, and the speed limit is 25 mph, then around a corner it will be 5 mph. When you come to a T, turn right, and follow the road up, past the Rodeo Grounds sign, and you’ll see the Dry Canyon TH sign. Pull into the large parking lot. I would say that 30 cars can fit here. I like driving this way better than taking Hwy 92, because it’s more scenic and it’s the same drive time.

Another driving option from I-15

From I-15, take exit 284 and head East towards AF Canyon (UT-92). Take the Commuter Lane to avoid all the lights, and turn left on N 6000 W, at the light. Turn left on Westfield Road, then right on 200 N. Turn left on Grove Drive. You will drive through a small neighborhood, and the speed limit is 25 mph, then around a corner it will be 5 mph.

When you come to a T, turn right, and follow the road up, past the Rodeo Grounds sign, and you’ll see the Dry Canyon TH sign. Pull into the large parking lot. I would say that 30 cars can fit here. Here is a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 4.5 miles RT

Elevation gain: 1700 ft

Time: 3-4 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid Friendly? Yes

This is what the parking area and TH look like.

The first part of the trail will be open, with no shade. You will hear the river down to the left. You can actually walk down to it, following the small trail off to the left. The area by the river is a popular backpacking spot for boyscouts and those looking for a quick, over-nighter.

15 minutes into the hike, you will now be walking through a forested area. The trail is a steady incline.

At 1.2 miles, you will reach Shingle Mill Flat, which is a nice forest meadow popular, again, for boy scouts. When it isn’t populated with people, you will often see wildlife running about. Near the upper part of the meadow the trail will split, but they merge quickly. A few times I have hiked here, I have seen people put sticks blocking the right path, encouraging hikers to stay left. My guess is the forest service is trying to let that section have some time for regrowth.

This is the same meadow – May 2019

Parts of the trail were a complete ice sheet under some fresh snow. Always carry microspikes with you in winter! They have saved my life a few times from slipping and hurting myself.

Our first stream crossing. Along this hike you will pass over several dry stream beds (in fall/winter). However in spring, I have seen these streams fairly high.

Around the corner from the first stream crossing you will get a nice overlook of the canyon, and can finally see Horsetail Falls. They look small here, but wait until you get to the base of them!

Cross the 2nd stream

Just after the 2nd stream, you will come to a fork. Though both of these trails head right, you will want to turn left.

To get to the base of the falls, you actually need to do a little bush whacking and get off trail. The best point to access this is about 20 ft from the trail split sign. It will be very noticeable – there is a rock, and several bushes that have been cleared from others hiking the same way. It is steep for only 10-15 ft.

After you get down the steep part, you will then cross through a very swampy/muddy area, with low hanging branches. Watch your footing and face, as you follow the small trail. It will open up very quickly, so don’t let this nasty section make you turn around. Once it opens, you will hear the rush of water as the trail turns a corner and leads you to the base of the falls.

2014

2015

At the base of the falls! You can actually hike up to the top of the falls from here. Be careful where you step – there are several drop offs down to the falls. A few people have even died here, and if you explore these rocks, you will find an old plaque of a boy who died here. This is one area you will want kids to stay close by. These rocks near the falls are slippery year-round, so again, be careful.