Yosemite Park Officials Just Made it More Difficult to See the Horsetail Falls ‘Firefall’
Yosemite National Park officials have been inundated with crowds during the past few February’s due to the growing popularity of the Horsetail Falls “Firefall,” and now they are making it more difficult to see the natural phenomenon.
Adventure seekers and photographers are preparing to flock to Yosemite National Park, trekking through the mounds of snow to see a natural phenomenon that is only visible during two weeks out of the year. But Yosemite recently announced that two of the three main access points to see the natural phenomenon will been closed, undoubtedly creating more crowds and less diverse photography emerging from the popular event.
This will create a different experience for photographers flocking to the event, who will now have to hike up to 3 miles to see the firefall in person. Yosemite officials believe it will help them control the crowds. Here is their officials statement:
Due to the popularity of the event, restrictions will be in effect from February 14 through 27, 2020 daily from noon to 7 pm. To view Horsetail Fall, park at Yosemite Falls parking (just west of Yosemite Valley Lodge) and walk 1.5 miles (each way) to the viewing area near El Capitan Picnic Area. Vault toilets, along with trash and recycling dumpsters, are available at the picnic area. Northside Drive will have one lane closed to vehicles so pedestrians can walk on the road between the viewing area and Yosemite Falls parking. Bring warm clothes and a headlamp or flashlight. Parking, stopping, or unloading passengers will be prohibited between Camp 4 and El Capitan Crossover. Vehicles displaying a disability placard will be allowed to drive to El Capitan Picnic Area and park in turnouts on the north side of Northside Drive.
Southside Drive will be open to vehicles, but parking, stopping, and unloading passengers will be prohibited between El Capitan Crossover to Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Pedestrians will also be prohibited from traveling on or adjacent to the road in this area. From Cathedral Beach Picnic Area to Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, the area between the road and the Merced River (including the river) will also be closed to all entry.
El Capitan Crossover (the road connecting Northside and Southside Drives near El Capitan) will be open to vehicles, but parking, stopping, and unloading passengers will be prohibited.
Historically, the sunset backlight on Horsetail Fall was little known. However, in recent years, visitation around this event has increased dramatically. For example, on February 22, 2019, over 2,000 visitors viewing Horsetail Fall gathered in areas mostly lacking adequate parking and other facilities. Visitors spilled onto riverbanks, increasing erosion and trampling vegetation. As riverbanks filled, visitors moved into the Merced River, trampling sensitive vegetation and exposing themselves to unsafe conditions. Some undeveloped areas became littered with trash, and the lack of restrooms resulted in unsanitary conditions.
Horsetail Fall is typically not that unique in Yosemite, where waterfalls are vast and beautiful. It’s a somewhat low-flow waterfall that flows about 1,000 feet down off the eastern edge of El Capitan to the ground. But when the water flows are strong and the lighting is right, this waterfall lights up and appears to be on fire. This phenomenon typically appears for about two weeks near the end of February and can cause quite the tourist attraction for people looking for a rare view.
It remains to be seen exactly when the natural phenomenon will occur in February and how long it will last, but the hype is beginning to build in NorCal. The event in 2019 was one for the ages. Typically, the event draws thousands of people to the park, no matter the weather in Yosemite.
Here are a few of the best photos and videos from 2019:
It’s remarkable to go to see this site and reading the views of all colleagues regarding this piece of
writing, while I am also keen of getting knowledge.
What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable know-how on the
topic of unpredicted feelings.
Informative article, just what I needed.
I’d like to find out more? I’d like to find out more details.
Hi I am so glad I found your webpage, I really found you by accident, while I was looking
on Yahoo for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just
like to say thank you for a fantastic post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I
have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds,
so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb b.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful.
I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are
stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take
care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read much more
from you. This is really a tremendous site.
Everyone loves what you guys are up too. This sort of clever
work and reporting! Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve added you guys to my
own blogroll.
Ahaa, its fastidious conversation on the topic
of this post here at this blog, I have read all that,
so now me also commenting at this place.
I used to be recommended this blog via my cousin. I’m now not sure whether or not this post is written by means of him as no one else recognise such designated about my difficulty.
You are amazing! Thanks!
Hi there! This post could not be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for
sharing!
Hi there, after reading this awesome post i am as well delighted to
share my familiarity here with colleagues.
Hardcore gamblers occasionally use deyailed betting systems to assist reduce
their losses.
If you make a decision you like the game and want to play for rreal funds, switch over tto
Actual Play mode.
That is one more reason why we recommend Neteller and Skrill for deposits.
Gambling Act 2003 and Racing Act 2003 are the two laws that
regulate gambling and sports betting in thee countryFootnote 65.
Some exceptional bonuses do not straight outcome in money tto your account.
They’ve all also benefited from access tto statewide mobile licenses, the rights to
which they’ve sold to sportsbooks, typically at 10-year terms.
LEGO sets are a great alternative to tablets. The Taj Mahal can be built with LEGO sets!
top-tier lego project I’m constantly amazed by how Lego sets are able
to transport us into different worlds. The attention to detail in each set is
so impressive, it’s as if we are living within those miniature
bricks. Lego Store has an incredible level of detail.
It is a perfect representation of a store.
I quite like reading an article that can make men and
women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
Hi my loved one! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and include approximately all vital infos.
I would like to see more posts like this .
Hey There. I discovered your weblog the usage of msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more
of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.