Yosemite Drops Firefall Reservations Ahead of Peak February Crowds

One of Yosemite’s most famous winter spectacles is returning this February, with a notable change in how visitors can experience it.

Officials at Yosemite National Park have confirmed that reservations will not be required to view the Firefall during the 2026 season. The natural phenomenon occurs when the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall on El Capitan at just the right angle, briefly turning the waterfall a glowing shade of orange. The projected viewing window runs from Feb. 10 through Feb. 26, weather and water conditions permitting.

Instead of a reservation system, park staff plan to manage crowds through traffic controls and increased staffing. Visitors will be directed to park in eastern Yosemite Valley and walk to designated viewing areas using a temporary pedestrian lane along Northside Drive. Officials are encouraging people to arrive early, park once for the day, and prepare for winter conditions.

Firefall has surged in popularity over the past decade, drawing thousands of visitors to a relatively small area of Yosemite Valley. Previous seasons saw heavy foot traffic damage meadows, overwhelm restrooms, and create safety concerns. In one year, nearly 2,500 people crowded into a single viewing zone.

Park leadership says staffing and on-the-ground management will be the primary tools to protect sensitive landscapes this year, though concerns remain about resource damage and visitor safety.

Those planning to attend should expect congestion, long walks, and no guarantees—the Firefall only appears under precise conditions, even on clear winter evenings.