When is the best time to see Yosemite’s ‘Firefall’?

YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Yosemite’s “Firefall” is part of one of those phenomena that can not be seen every day. For those who wish to attend this event in Yosemite, and watch how the sunset can create this effect, here is what they need to know.

Park rangers say the firefall effect, which comes from when Horsetail Fall lights up like fire during the sunset, takes place in February in the evenings and it is only visible from a certain angle.

Although visitors can get a nice view of El Capitan and the fall from the west, park rangers say the famous effect only occurs when they watch from a more easterly vantage, such as in the El Capitan Picnic Area. A set of road and trail closures during the event will funnel visitors to some of these prime viewing locations -it would also take them away from more sensitive, ecological features like riverbanks.

However, park rangers warm that, to see the effect, visitors need to park and grab a spot in the designated areas alongside everyone else. This is why they encourage visitors to go to Recreation.gov two days before their trip if they are visiting on the last three weekends or holidays in February, and ultimately plan to arrive no later than mid-morning for the sunset.

Even though Horsetail Fall may be visible near Bridalveil Fall, park rangers say there is no Firefall to see for those stuck in traffic west of El Capitan.

For information about the Horsetail Fall Event, including logistical, safety, and resource protection details, click here.

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