This Nationwide Park Has a Waterfall That Turns Fiery Orange Each 12 months—Easy methods to See It

February will get bustling in Yosemite Nationwide Park because of a phenomenon nicknamed the “Firefall.” It’s when sundown turns 2,130-foot-tall Horsetail Fall right into a magma-like stream of orange spray.

The pure occasion attracts tons of of tourists to the primary viewing perch, the El Capitan Picnic Space, with many angling for a chief spot earlier than the golden-hour magic begins. “There’s in all probability one million {dollars} of digital camera tools sitting there,” says Jeff Pfaller, who’s photographed the marvel practically 10 instances.

Like several pure occasion, the Firefall’s incidence isn’t a given. The spectacle, which decorates the japanese fringe of El Capitan, requires comparatively clear skies and ample water from winter snowmelt. First-time guests might also face a number of logistical hurdles, like the place to park and when to reach.

That’s why we tapped Pfaller, a photographer, Firefall tour information, and writer of the guide “Darkish Skies: Uncommon Phenomena in America’s Public Lands,” for his high suggestions for seeing this pure phenomenon.

When to See the Firefall

Sadly, you possibly can’t see a glowing Horsetail Fall all year long. Mid to late February, when the solar is completely positioned to forged its tangerine glow, is the time to spy it. “President’s Day weekend sits in the course of the height interval,” says Pfaller, noting that roughly Feb. 10 to 27 is your preferrred timeframe, give or take. “I’ve seen it on the tail ends of the best viewing interval, and you’ll nonetheless technically see it, however the distinction isn’t as pronounced.”

The phenomenon happens about 20 to 25 minutes earlier than sundown. You want at the very least patches of clear skies—simply sufficient for the solar to shine via. However don’t surrender if the climate appears tough; even a short gap within the clouds can spark a fiery present.

Plus, Pfaller says too many individuals depart Firefall early. “If it’s cloudy, it’ll hit sundown, and other people suppose there’s no risk of seeing it,” he says. “The solar can nonetheless hit the waterfall because it’s that prime up, and Firefall will happen two or three minutes after sundown. So hang around for somewhat bit.”

The place to View Firefall in Yosemite

The El Capitan Picnic Space is the primary lookout for the Firefall, and it will get busy. “Should you care about getting an image, I’d get there proper after lunch, like 12 or 1 p.m.,” Pfaller says. “What occurs is, folks get there to arrange tremendous early, and should you get there at 3 or 4 p.m., all of the spots which might be unobstructed are taken.”

You’ll park on the Yosemite Falls parking zone and stroll round 1.5 miles to achieve the picnic space. When the parking zone fills, different choices embrace Yosemite Village or Curry Village, then utilizing the free shuttle.

Though it’s the most well-liked place to observe the Firefall, the El Capitan Picnic Space isn’t the one vantage level. The opposite lookouts do require some expertise and insider data, although.

“I’ve secret spots I take folks on my excursions too, and even when there are different photographers there, it’s much more laid-back,” Pfaller says. “Everybody pictures it from the favored spot, so the composition [from a different angle] appears extra distinctive.”

Firefall Reservations

With Firefall’s reputation, park entrance reservations have been instituted up to now, however they aren’t required in 2026, in line with the park web site. Which means this yr’s spectacle may get busy, particularly on weekends.

Should you select your lodging properly, you possibly can keep away from the majority of the crowds. Strive Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, the Ahwahnee Resort, or a campsite like Higher Pines, Camp 4, and Wawona Campground.

With most guided excursions, like Pfaller’s, you received’t have to fret concerning the entrance logistics, both. “Folks simply must get themselves to San Francisco, after which I principally handle every little thing else,” he says.

Climate

Horsetail Fall is a winter-to-early-spring waterfall that’s fed via snowmelt and run-off. It sometimes stops operating by summer time. With that in thoughts, you want enough snowmelt for the waterfall to happen. You additionally want climate heat sufficient to soften stated snow and clear skies for that luminous Horsetail Fall glow.

Pfaller suggests giving your self at the very least three nights for the situations to align. And talking of climate: come ready for chilly and potential snow. In February, Yosemite temperatures vary from the 50s to twenty levels Fahrenheit. Put on a heat coat, a number of layers, and mountaineering boots. Pack a headlamp and heat layers for the stroll again to your automotive after sundown.

Easy methods to {Photograph} Firefall

Thankfully, photographing Horsetail Fall’s winter glow isn’t as difficult as snapping the evening sky. Should you’re photographing with a mirrorless or DSLR digital camera, use a telephoto lens to get nearer to the blazing falls for dramatic impact. Take into account a tripod to keep away from digital camera shake, and arrive at your viewpoint early so you possibly can nail the composition. Should you’re utilizing a more recent iPhone, plan to zoom in, too, however be sure that to take action through the optical zoom on the backside of the telephone display screen as an alternative of pinching and zooming.

And if pictures is your essential objective, think about reserving a Firefall picture tour so that you don’t have to fret about scouting the proper spot.

Firefall Historical past

As of late, most park guests affiliate Firefall with the pure Horsetail Fall glow, however the historical past goes again additional. Within the late 1800s, the Mountain Home Resort house owners created a artifical model of Firefall by pushing a bonfire off Glacier Level’s edge in a ploy to draw tourism. Similar to right this moment’s Firefall, the spectacle introduced many vacationers, however by the mid-1900s, the park ended the apply to raised serve its mission of defending Yosemite’s pure wonders.