Near Horsethief Falls
Oil Creek Tributary alongside Horsethief Park Trail
Near Horsethief Falls
At the falls
Near Horsethief Falls
Frozen Horsethief Falls
Near Horsethief Falls
Tipi Survival Shelter
Near Horsethief Falls
Well-trodden trail, even in the snow!

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Horsethief Falls

4.0 (20 Ratings)
A mellow meander to Horsethief Falls.
2.7
mi
Distance
681
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekSpringWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Foot and horse trail. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.Camping is permitted along the trail and is recommended 300' from any trail or stream. Use no-impact camping techniques. Pack it in/Pack it out rule applies. Campfire permits are not required but please be sure your fire is dead out before you leave. Respect other trail users.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.75mi
Distance
681ft
Elevation Gain
681ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
10,359ft
High Point
9,677ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Take Horsethief Park Trail (#704) about 0.7 miles from the parking area to the first fork. This section of the trail is an abundantly used, spacious path with a slight incline that runs parallel to an Oil Creek tributary. At the fork, continue straight to head to Horsethief Falls Trail (#704AA). There are no signs to follow at this point, but this is the transition to Pancake Rocks Trail (#704A). The footpath continues to be fairly easy and wide. You'll only be on this section of Pancake Rocks Trail (#704A) for about 0.2 miles before Pancake Rocks Trail (#704A) splits to the right. There will be signage at the junction. At the junction, continue straight onto Horsethief Falls Trail (#704AA). The trail narrows and begins to meander through mixed pines as it gains slightly in elevation. Again, the path moves alongside the creek and starts to head toward the falls. Enjoy the sunlight streaming through the pines and climb alongside the rocks to enjoy the cascading of the water.
History & Background
Horsethief Park is a valley long known as a hideout for cattle rustlers, tax evaders, and sundry other outlaws. Butch Cassidy and John Wesley Powell are among notorious travelers of the area.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
K Keiter