⚡ The Quick Scoop
The Vibe: A magnificent, multi-tiered waterfall hike that forces you to choose between a boring, safe dirt road or a wild, breathtakingly gorgeous river trail.
The Danger: This trail is a force to be reckoned with. People have lost their lives here. Route-finding is extremely difficult near the falls.
Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 for sheer beauty, but with a massive caution label!)
I've repeated many hikes in my adventures, but Horsetail Falls in Alpine, Utah is one I return to again and again. It doesn't matter if I make it all the way to the falls every single time, because the journey itself is the true destination.
The trail follows what is inexplicably named "Dry Creek Canyon"—a place that contains what is arguably the most beautiful, vibrant river in all of Utah Valley! However, this is a hike of choices. You must decide between the easy, maintained path on the south side, or the wild, unmaintained, and breathtakingly beautiful path on the north side.
👇 Choose Your Path
The Boring South Side & The Sledding Highway
If you stay on the main, state-maintained trail on the south side of the canyon, you are in for a relatively safe, straightforward hike. It is a wide, clear dirt path... but honestly? It is pretty boring! The trail stays high above the canyon floor, meaning the amazingly lovely river is so far away you can hardly even hear it.
Because the trail is so wide and uninteresting, the turnoff to actually go see the waterfall is incredibly tricky to find, especially in the winter when the landscape is buried in snow. I have literally seen people hike that long, steep distance and walk right past the waterfall turnoff without ever knowing it was there! The first time I hiked this South side, it was incredibly hot and dry. I was dragging myself up this boring dirt trail when I literally ran into a dead horse. It was so sad, and honestly a little disturbing!
🛷 Winter Adrenaline
While I don't love the south trail in the summer, it is actually quite an interesting trail in the winter! Because it is so wide in most spots, many people hike up pulling sleds and then slide back down the trail! The second time I hiked this, it was completely snow-packed. Even though I had my spikes and we had no issues going up, I couldn't find the trail down to the falls and didn't want to brave that scary drop. So, we headed back down on our sleds, and we were honestly a little terrified by how fast we were going!
I was so scared of breaking my tailbone (I have broken it a dozen times, so it breaks really easy now!), that I actually padded my butt! LOL. I tried dragging my feet and hands to slow down, ended up hitting a rock, completely broke the sled, and still broke my tailbone! Not my greatest memory! LOL.
The Wild North Side
If you want the real magic of Dry Creek Canyon, you have to cross the river to the North Trail. But be warned: the north side is very tricky to find.
Because it isn't an officially maintained trail, there are spur trails everywhere from people wandering around trying to find the hidden path. But honestly? It is worth it to me to deal with a little challenge if you are a good hiker, because the views on the north side are absolutely incredible!
🌲 Intimate River Connections
I love this side so much! I love spending so much time intimately connected to the rushing river, enjoying the shadow of the Lone Peak Wilderness mountains, and hiking on a quaint, rugged dirt trail instead of a wide, boring dirt road.
The entire ground is just covered in pine needles that feel like a cushion under your feet, and it weaves through big, beautiful white granite rocks. There is rare moss growing on the hillsides—which is a huge rarity in Utah!—and the thick canopy of trees makes it feel so cozy, like you are in a protected space. You are constantly hopping over little roots and tiny streams. It honestly baffles me how this canyon got the name "Dry Creek," because there is always TONS of water rushing down it. It is one of my absolute favorite rivers in the state!
Respecting the Danger
I have to tell you the hard truth: this is a waterfall that needs to be approached with huge caution. People have died here.
This is not a waterfall to let your guard down around. It is an absolute force to be reckoned with, and each step by the waterfall needs to be taken with care. The rocks near the multiple tiers of the falls are incredibly slick from the mist, and one wrong step can be disastrous.
I was so proud of myself on one trip for following the Gaia trail and making it all the way up to a supposed bridge crossing I had been curious about for years. I stood there looking across the rushing water at a guy on the other side, and we both tried to strategize a safe way across. We threw out creative ideas, but in the end, I just shook my head and said, "No thanks."
I knew what was directly below that spot: a drop like a 10-story building, crashing into rock after rock, leading into a rushing river tumbling through massive boulders. I would be dead in seconds. So, I backed up and went safely down the way I came.
The funny thing is that I have gone here so many times, but each time I think I get to different viewpoints! It is not a well-traveled trail to get to those views.
The Case of the Lost Tripod
I wouldn't say the main trail is gone—it's actually super clear! But the spur trails that branch off to see the waterfalls? Those are the tricky ones. You have to navigate down steep sections and literally hold onto tree branches in some places to lower yourself down safely. My heart always beats fast from the adrenaline here!
There is a specific spot where you come up a hill and hit a big, huge boulder. There are spur trails going off to the right to see the falls, but none of those trails go very far. At that big boulder, you have to go left around it if you want to continue up the main trail.
🗺️ The Digital Lifeline
I actually lost my camera tripod up here once! I was so incredibly sad. I was basically planning out how I was going to tell my audience, "Good luck finding it!" Trying to blindly retrace my steps through all those confusing, rugged white boulders and nooks was so hard, I almost gave up entirely.
And then it hit me: "Silly me, Shauna! You are recording your trail!"
I just told myself to take a breath and relax. I pulled out my Gaia GPS map on my phone and simply followed the blue line of my recorded track backward. It took me a few tries, but I found it! This trail is the exact reason I tell everyone that they must record their track with Gaia Maps. It will save you when you get off course!
Transport Yourself: 360° VR & Video Tours
Experience the rushing river and the stunning views of Horsetail Falls! Click and drag the videos and street views below to look around.
📺 Coming Soon: Spring in the Rockies
I did get some absolutely gorgeous views from these risky ledges, and I am so excited that I finally found a home for this footage! While I didn't dare do a stand-alone VR video for the scariest parts of this hike, it is going to fit perfectly in my upcoming Spring in the Rockies 3-Hour Flat Screen Video for my Slow TV series. Keep an eye out for it!
Standing Near the Base of Horsetail Falls
Check out the incredible power of this waterfall.
The Log Bridge Crossing
This is the gateway to the beautiful North Trail!
The "Dry Creek" River
Whoever named this "Dry Creek" was absolutely wrong!
Beautiful Woods Along the River
Google Street View: The Log Bridge
The Explorer's Guide
🗺️ Adventure at a Glance
- 🏞️ Location: Dry Creek Canyon, Alpine, Utah (Lone Peak Wilderness)
- 🥾 Activity: Steep mountain hiking & route finding
- 📏 Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles round trip
- 📈 Elevation Gain: About 1,700 feet
- ⏳ Time Needed: 3-4 hours
- 🏅 Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (With a massive caution label!)
Critical Safety Hints for Your Visit
- Finding the Bridge: The adventure begins on the main south-side trail. Do not take the first few social trails that try to lead you down to the river! You have to hike the South trail for about 1/4 to 1/2 a mile. As the trail starts climbing, you need to watch for a path on the left that drops down pretty quickly. Don't worry, it is a legit, wide trail—not a faint deer path! Follow it down past signs of old tent campsites to the log bridge. I definitely recommend using your hiking sticks here to help you not stress out while crossing the bridge!
- Beware False Crossings: Do not trust any map (including Gaia) that shows a "bridge" or crossing high up the river near the falls. On a recent trip, this turned out to be a dangerous rock-hop across a fast river directly above a waterfall. It is NOT safe. Turn back and follow your own GPS track out.
- Record Your Track: I cannot stress this enough. Start recording your hike on a GPS app like Gaia the moment you leave the car. It is your lifeline!
🧭 Trail Log & Treasure Tracker
💰 The Hidden Cash!
Did I mention I actually hid a wad of cash up here? It is stashed somewhere in a very safe place near the upper campsite next to the falls! HOWEVER: Please only look for it in safe areas! Do not risk your life on the slippery ledges for it. If you find it, or if you just want to log your hike and warn others about the current trail conditions, drop a note in our community tracker below!
📋 Live Community Trail Reports
Check the latest conditions (and see if the treasure has been claimed!) below.
🗺️ Utah County Trail Updates
Exploring other trails in Utah County? Check these community updates!
The Dry Creek Scrapbook
A collection of my favorite photos from the beautiful, rushing river and the majestic Horsetail Falls.
✨ Ask the Wilderness Guide
Curious about Gaia GPS, Lone Peak Wilderness, or waterfall safety? Ask our AI Guide!
Embracing the Challenge
Horsetail Falls is a hike that perfectly captures my love-hate relationship with tough adventures. It's a bit of a puzzle, a bit of a challenge, and it scares me a little every time I go. But the beauty is undeniable. Whether you're there to see the powerful waterfall or just to enjoy the magnificent river, the poorly named Dry Creek Canyon never disappoints. It’s a true Utah Valley gem that reminds me why I love exploring the wilder, more challenging paths!
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna @ VRGetaway
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