Yosemite Falls — the wintry convergence of sunbeams and falling water that has drawn growing crowds to the national park's Horsetail Falls — will be different this year. At least for those hoping to plan a trip.
When the sky is clear and Horsetail Falls is flowing, the firefall phenomenon occurs in mid-to-late February when the setting sun illuminates the falls for a few minutes before disappearing, giving the water a lava-like orange glow. A foggy or cloudy night can drastically reduce or destroy the effect. However, since photographer Galen Rowell captured a striking image in 1973, thousands of visitors (many of them photographers) have made the trip, competing for the ideal position, requiring several safety measures. By 2021, rangers were using reservation requirements to reduce crowds.
This year, Fire Falls Viewings are scheduled to take place from February 10-26, and reservations are recommended. not required to see or visit Yosemite in February. Instead, park officials aim to limit crowds by restricting automobile and pedestrian traffic. As Mariposa Gazette reported, Yosemite National Park Superintendent Ray McPadden said “our primary strategy will be plenty of boots on the ground.” With these changes, here are a few things you should know if you hope to experience the glow.
where to park
Rangers urge visitors to park at the Yosemite Falls parking area (just west of Yosemite Valley Lodge) and walk 1.5 miles to the viewing area near the El Capitan picnic area. If parking is not available at Yosemite Falls, rangers say, visitors should park at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and use the free shuttle (which stops at both) to get to the Yosemite Falls/Yosemite Valley Lodge parking lot, then begin the hike.
what to bring
Expect snow and ice, and bring warm clothing, traction devices for your boots, and a headlamp or flashlight for the 3-mile round-trip hike, rangers advise.
Visitors gather near Horsetail Falls in Yosemite in 2019.
(Raúl Roa / Los Angeles Times)
Restricted areas
To allow more space for pedestrians, Northside Drive will have one lane closed to vehicles between the viewing area and the Yosemite Falls parking lot. Parking, stopping or unloading passengers will be prohibited between Lower Yosemite Fall and El Capitan Crossover (but greater access will be allowed to vehicles displaying a handicap placard). On busy weekends, rangers say, they may close Northside Drive entirely for about 30 minutes after sunset.
Rangers say the park's Southside Drive will be open to vehicles, but parking, stopping and unloading passengers will be prohibited between El Capitan Crossover and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. In addition, pedestrians will be prohibited from walking on or next to the road in that area.
Additionally, from Cathedral Beach Picnic Area to Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, the area between the road and the Merced River (including the river itself) will be closed to visitors. El Capitan Crossover, the road connecting Northside Drives and Southside Drive near El Capitan, will be open to vehicles, but parking, stopping and unloading passengers will be prohibited. The Yosemite National Park website includes a detailed map of the Horsetail Fall viewing area and restrictions.
