Yosemite’s Firefall is a hot attraction in the winter.
Raining fire and flowing lava, Firefall is a unique experience.
Every year around the middle of February, a natural occurring phenomenon called “Firefall” draws many people to Yosemite National Park. During sunset the waterfall gives off a glowing lava like appearance and puts on a show for many visitors within the park.
The waterfall also know as Horsetail Falls is a seasonal waterfall that only flows when there is enough rain and snow melt from the winter season. Due to the alignment of the setting sun at the right time, Horsetail Falls becomes know as the infamous Firefall.
How can I view Yosemite’s Firefall?
In order to see the Firefall certain conditions must be met for the natural phenomenon to be met. First there must be enough rain and snow melt in order for Horsetail Falls to flow. No rain and the waterfall will be dry. Second, having a clear sky to the west is a must because direct sunlight reflects off of the granite and lights up the waterfall creating that orange lava glow. And thirdly, getting a permit just to get into the park during “Firefall” season is necessary.
The Firefall event is very popular among visitors and photographers and the park would become overcrowded without some control. So the NPS has implemented a ticketed entry permit requirement in order to even enter the park. In February 2023, a ticketed entry was required if entering the park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Regardless, getting the chance to view Firefall a must! It took me two years to finally get the chance to see Firefall.
Where are the best viewing areas for Firefall?
After a few years, Yosemite has created a very organized system in order to handle all the crowds of people. The most easily accessible viewing area for Firefall is anywhere along the Northside Drive. Most people will park near the Yosemite Village or Yosemite Lodge and begin the 1.5 mile walk westward along the Northside Drive towards the El Capitan picnic area. The NPS closes one lane to foot traffic and car stopping is not permitted along the Northside Drive.
Usually if you can find a nice open viewing area of Horsefail Falls on your Northside Drive walk, it will be a good viewing spot for Firefall.
During my visit to the park, I wanted to try and capture something different from the usual whole Firefall shots. I wanted to try and focus in on the glowing mist and tried to capture something unique from this event.
I used my Sigma 100-400 on many of these shots, and in the end I felt like I came away with some unique Firefall shots.
