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Yosemite s firefall has become an obsession for photographers aiming to land the perfect shot. Here s how they do it
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Photographer Lee DeCovnick says of the glowing Horsetail Fall: “The moment when it lights up, actually refracting, all of a sudden, it just sorts of pops, glowing, lava-like, deep colors with vibrancy, gorgeous.”Lee DeCovnick 2013Show MoreShow Less
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Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park is illuminated by rays of the setting sun on Feb. 18, 2019. The firefall phenomenon can occur in the later weeks of February only when conditions are just right.Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The ChronicleShow MoreShow Less
Reservations now needed to visit Yosemite National Park
Kathy Matheson/AP
FILE - This April 2013 file photo shows a shuttle bus picking up passengers at Sentinel Bridge in front of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park, Calif. An estimated 90 shuttle bus drivers and Yosemite National Park transportation workers who were laid off after the park closed to visitors in March are now facing eviction. The group of Yosemite Hospitality workers were told this week layoffs require them to leave Yosemite by May 21, the Fresno Bee reported Friday, May 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Kathy Matheson, File)
Posted at 7:02 AM, Feb 08, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-08 10:19:03-05
Credit: Getty Images / Heyengel
Mother nature works in mysterious and marvelous ways. One of the most stunning examples of her work is the Firefall light phenomenon that can be viewed at Yosemite Park in California s Sierra Nevada Mountains. The natural light wonder occurs in February when the sun and water come together to create a mesmerizing light show that resembles lava flowing down the Horsetail Fall, over the Eastern edge of El Captain in Yosemite Valley. However, there s no guarantee that you will actually be able to witness Mother Nature s show. This small waterfall usually flows only during winter and can be easy to miss. Firefall only happens on evenings that have a clear sky when the waterfall is slow; any amount of haze or cloudiness can completely ruin the effect.
Guests will be allowed to visit Yosemite with a reservation beginning on Monday, Feb. 8. The temporary day-use reservation system will allow the park to manage visitation levels to reduce risks associated with exposure to COVID-19, Yosemite’s Facebook post explained. Day-use reservations will be required for all users, including annual and senior pass holders. Each reservation is valid for seven days and must be validated the first day of the reservation.
Reservations are not required for visits that occur before Feb. 8, the national park noted in response to an inquiry on Twitter.
Unlike other capacity measures implemented throughout California, the new reservation system is based on the number of vehicles entering the park instead of the number of individuals. Moreover, the park’s day-use permits are open to visitors from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. PST while wilderness permits will be available at entrance stations, according to other tweets from Yosemite National park.
Yosemite Firefall 2021 Dates, Reservations How to See Spectacular Natural Phenomenon
On 2/2/21 at 6:45 AM EST
Guests can now reserve a ticket to enter California s Yosemite National Park for this month s firefall event at Horsetail Fall, a natural phenomenon which sees the waterfall appear to have a fire-like glow due to a backdrop of sunlight.
The National Park Service (NPS) website explains: This small waterfall usually flows only during winter and is easy to miss. On rare occasions during mid- to late February, it can glow orange when it s backlit by sunset.
While no permit or reservation is required to view Horsetail Fall, the NPS website advises, visitors will need to book a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park from February 8 to 28.