Yosemite’s Annual Firefall Season Has Started
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Yosemite National Park in California is famous for its giant sequoia trees and towering rock formations, such as El Capitan and Half Dome. But in mid-to-late February, the spotlight turns to El Capitan's Horsetail Fall. During this brief period, the seasonal waterfall can glow a bright orange. It looks like lava is pouring down the rock surface. This striking sight is called the "firefall."
What causes the "firefall" effect?
Certain conditions need to be met for the firefall to occur. First and foremost, the waterfall must be flowing. This requires sufficient snowfall and temperatures warm enough to cause melting. The sky must also be clear, since clouds or haze can block the sunlight. In addition, the Sun has to strike the water at just the right angle. This typically happens 5 to 15 minutes before sunset, during a two-week period in February. Even when everything aligns, the fiery glow lasts only about 10 minutes.
Historical connection
The natural firefall is similar to an old Yosemite tradition. From the late 1800s until 1968, park workers pushed burning embers over Glacier Point — a steep cliff above Yosemite Valley — at night. This was done during the summer months and on special weekends to create an artificial firefall for visitors. The practice ended due to environmental concerns. But nature now produces an even more spectacular firefall on its own.
When is the best time to see the firefall in 2026?
In 2026, the best time to catch the firefall will be from February 10 to 28. Unlike in previous years, visitors will not need reservations. However, to protect the fragile landscape, the two easily accessible viewing areas will be closed to the public. Visitors must hike 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way to see the natural phenomenon. But the effort will be well worth it!
Resources: Yosemite.com, wikipedia.org
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florathesylveon15 daysohhh, nice!
g-dude15 daysWow.
negebezygabe15 daysThis is a really cool discovery!
