You Can Practically Drive Right Up To The Beautiful Horsetail Falls In Alaska
By Megan McDonald
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Published September 21, 2019
Alaska has countless stunning waterfalls all over the state, but Horsetail Falls is huge, gorgeous, and right off the highway. Park your car just outside of Thompson Pass in Keystone Canyon for some up close and gorgeous views of Alaska’s natural wonders.
Alaska has gorgeous scenery and with our incredible mountains come impressive waterfalls.
It's impossible to calculate how many waterfalls we have in the state, but we do know where the best ones to visit are! There are a series of beautiful waterfalls right off the road in Keystone Canyon.
The Richardson Highway runs down from Fairbanks all the way to Valdez.
After crossing over Thompson Pass, you descend into Keystone Canyon. The highway parallels the Lowe River, and you will see many waterfalls cascading down and feeding into the river.
Keystone Canyon is only 3 miles long, but you will see too many waterfalls to count along that stretch!
This is because the Valdez area gets more than 27 feet of snow every winter. In fact, all that snow melt has contributed to Valdez's nickname, "Land of Waterfalls!"
A couple of these waterfalls end right at the highway.
While you drive the Richardson Highway you'll be able to ogle at all the stunning scenery. There are plenty of pullouts for you to park your car so that you can get out and view the waterfalls from up close.
The two most famous waterfalls in Keystone Canyon are Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls.
Horsetail Falls is a stunning 330-foot wall of rushing water. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls in all of Alaska, and it's easy to see why.
This waterfall is even popular in the winter!
In fact, it was the very first piece of ice climbed in Valdez — way back in 1975. This waterfall attracts ice climbers all winter long and has a pullout for you to conveniently park in when visiting.
A day spent gazing at these waterfalls isn't a day wasted at all.
Make a trip of it if you're heading into Valdez. Stop off at mile 13.4 on the Richardson Highway to get a fabulous view of Horsetail Falls.
Have you driven up to the beautiful Horsetail Falls in Keystone Canyon? What did you think? Would you visit again? Let us know in the comments below!
While you’re in Thompson Pass, make sure to Hike This Easy Trail Out To One Of Alaska’s Most Beautiful Glaciers!
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