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I parked at Twin Bridges, that clearly-visible parking lot off
Highway 50 on the way to South Lake Tahoe. There were several
cars there before me.
When I started the hike, the sky was perfectly clear. High, thin,
wispy clouds crept by as the afternoon wore on.
A hint of fall colors
There are multiple unmarked trails, and sometimes they just disappear,
which makes navigating difficult. I followed a sign that said
"trail" toward the right. It basically follows Pyramid Creek.
I saw just a few signs of fall color (yellowing aspens) along
the creek. The creek flows on the eastern side of a broad valley.
While trees are prevalent everywhere, the valley has a distinct
sense of openness, with large masses of granite rock lining the
ground.
A closer look
The trail began to do a U-turn, and I suddenly found myself at
a trail intersection. I'd been on the Pyramid Creek trail, instead
of the trail toward Horsetail Falls. There was no real harm, however,
since the two trails basically parallel each other.
I continued on the main trail to the wilderness boundary. I was
supposed to sign in here, but there weren't any more forms, so
I just kept going. I shortly passed a striking small stand of
golden aspens nestled amongst the green pine trees on the left.
I continued, hoping for more, but that was the best display of
colors on the hike.
Horsetail Falls
I shortly came to the falls themselves. Since it was October,
the falls were a mere whisper of what I imagine they are in the
spring and early summer. Still, it was nice to see the cascade.
A pair of hikers came by while I was getting ready to turn around.
They continued on the tricky route up the falls, but I decided
that was enough.
On the way back, I somehow managed to lose the main trail, but
regained it later. Near the end, though, it just seems to disappear
in the granite. I carefully made my way down the steep granite
until I rejoined the obvious trail at the bottom. Then it was
a short walk back to my car.
Return to Lake Tahoe Fall 1999 trip report.
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