Yosemite's Firefall

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Welcome to Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Today we are heading to Yosemite National Park in California to try to get a glimpse of Horsetail Fall's Firefall.

Under the right circumstances, this waterfall in Yosemite briefly turns a luminescent fiery orange. 

Horsetail Fall’s Firefall

Yosemite's Firefall is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that occurs when the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park at a specific angle under precise conditions, creating the illusion of a cascading waterfall ablaze with vibrant colors reminiscent of fire.

Clear weather and a cloudless sky are essential for the sunlight to penetrate through and illuminate the waterfall. Cloud cover or haze can block the direct light, taking away from the Firefall effect.

Also, there has to be enough water flow in Horsetail Fall. If there isn’t, the effect won’t be as striking.

Combining these factors is like aligning the stars; it's a delicate balance of nature and timing. The interplay of sunlight, water flow, geological formations, and atmospheric conditions converges to create this breathtaking natural display.

As the sun's rays hit the waterfall at just the right angle, the water appears to glow with vibrant colors, resembling molten lava or a cascading flow of fire against the backdrop of the granite cliffs.

This striking visual effect captivates the imagination and draws visitors from all over the world to witness the fleeting magic of Yosemite's Firefall.

 

Explore More

If you would like to learn more, here are some links you can check out to get more information about Horsetail Fall’s Firefall.

• A Waterfall That Looks on Fire at Sunset (video)

• How to See and Photograph Yosemite’s Annual Firefall (article)

How To See Horsetail Fall’s Firefall

The firefall is usually best seen in mid-February, when Horsetail Fall is flowing with runoff from winter storms.

Because of its popularity, you’ll have to make reservations if you want to visit the park between Feb. 10 and Feb. 25, the prime firefall dates.

Reserve your spot at Recreation.gov.

We hope your travels take you in this direction very soon.

Until then - keep exploring!

Amanda