Chasing the Yosemite National Park ‘Firefall’

Johnny Diaz📍Reporting on natural phenomena

For a few weeks each year in late February, when conditions are good, a waterfall in Yosemite National Park appears to transform into a “firefall.”

Here’s what’s behind the stunning display →

Chasing the Yosemite National Park ‘Firefall’

Johnny Diaz📍Reporting on natural phenomena

Three things need to happen to make Horsetail Fall “glow and look like it’s on fire,” according to a spokeswoman for the park, which is in California.

First, enough snow and rain must have fallen over the Sierra Nevada in the winter to fuel the waterfall.
Second, the skies need to be clear.
Finally, the sunlight needs to hit the waterfall channel at a particular angle.

Chasing the Yosemite National Park ‘Firefall’

Johnny Diaz📍Reporting on natural phenomena

Even when it happens, it’s a short-lived spectacle, lasting about three minutes.

“It lasts the duration of the sun hitting the waterfall and then moving past that channel,” the spokeswoman, Jamie Richards, said.

Chasing the Yosemite National Park ‘Firefall’

Johnny Diaz📍Reporting on natural phenomena

A prime viewing spot is the mile radius around the El Capitan picnic area.

Sunset takes place at about 5:30 p.m., so officials suggest arriving early, at 3 or 4, because of crowds.

Chasing the Yosemite National Park ‘Firefall’

Johnny Diaz📍Reporting on natural phenomena

Coincidentally, taking in the spectacle is not Yosemite’s first “firefall” tradition.

In the 1870s, the owners of a hotel within the park burned wood and tossed embers off a cliff at dusk.

To people in a camping and lodging area below, this looked like a flowing fire. As they gathered to watch, they called out, “Let the fire fall.”

The tradition ended in the 1960s — probably for the best, given the state’s struggles with wildfires.

Learn more about Yosemite National Park and its waterfalls.