Yosemite’s Popular ‘Firefall’ Natural Phenomenon is Returning in February
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.
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. We will continue to publish updates on the natural phenomenon when the dates become more clear.
To see Horsetail Fall, park at the El Capitan picnic area or in turnouts just east of the picnic area. You can see the waterfall from the road. Here are our favorite videos/photos of the phenomenon at Yosemite’s Horsetail Falls from the past few years:
Thank you so much for sharing! We usually go to Yosemite in May but never in February. If anybody needs information on visiting Yosemite in spring: https://familyroadtripguru.com/2018/06/12/yosemite-national-park-family-road-trip-done-right/