This National Park Has a Waterfall That Turns Fiery Orange Every Year—How to See It

February gets bustling in Yosemite National Park thanks to a phenomenon nicknamed the “Firefall.” It’s when sunset turns 2,130-foot-tall Horsetail Fall into a magma-like stream of orange spray.

The natural event draws hundreds of visitors to the main viewing perch, the El Capitan Picnic Area, with many angling for a prime spot before the golden-hour magic begins. “There’s probably a million dollars of camera equipment sitting there,” says Jeff Pfaller, who’s photographed the marvel nearly 10 times.

Like any natural event, the Firefall’s occurrence isn’t a given. The spectacle, which decorates the eastern edge of El Capitan, requires relatively clear skies and ample water from winter snowmelt. First-time visitors may also face a few logistical hurdles, like where to park and when to arrive.

That’s why we tapped Pfaller, a photographer, Firefall tour guide, and author of the book “Dark Skies: Rare Phenomena in America’s Public Lands,” for his top tips for seeing this natural phenomenon.

When to See the Firefall

Sadly, you can’t see a glowing Horsetail Fall throughout the year. Mid to late February, when the sun is perfectly positioned to cast its tangerine glow, is the time to spy it. “President’s Day weekend sits in the middle of the peak period,” says Pfaller, noting that roughly Feb. 10 to 27 is your ideal timeframe, give or take. “I’ve seen it on the tail ends of the ideal viewing period, and you can still technically see it, but the contrast is not as pronounced.”

The phenomenon occurs about 20 to 25 minutes before sunset. You need at least patches of clear skies—just enough for the sun to shine through. But don’t give up if the weather looks rough; even a brief hole in the clouds can spark a fiery show.

Plus, Pfaller says too many people leave Firefall early. “If it’s cloudy, it’ll hit sunset, and people think there’s no possibility of seeing it,” he says. “The sun can still hit the waterfall since it’s that high up, and Firefall will occur two or three minutes after sunset. So hang out for a little bit.”

Where to View Firefall in Yosemite

The El Capitan Picnic Area is the main lookout for the Firefall, and it gets busy. “If you care about getting a picture, I would get there right after lunch, like 12 or 1 p.m.,” Pfaller says. “What happens is, people get there to set up super early, and if you get there at 3 or 4 p.m., all the spots that are unobstructed are taken.”

You’ll park at the Yosemite Falls parking lot and walk around 1.5 miles to reach the picnic area. When the parking lot fills, other options include Yosemite Village or Curry Village, then using the free shuttle.

Although it’s the most popular place to watch the Firefall, the El Capitan Picnic Area isn’t the only vantage point. The other lookouts do require some experience and insider knowledge, though.

“I have secret spots I take people on my tours too, and even if there are other photographers there, it’s a lot more laid-back,” Pfaller says. “Everyone photographs it from the popular spot, so the composition [from a different angle] looks more unique.”

Firefall Reservations

With Firefall’s popularity, park entrance reservations have been instituted in the past, but they aren’t required in 2026, according to the park website. That means this year’s spectacle could get busy, especially on weekends.

If you choose your accommodations wisely, you can avoid the bulk of the crowds. Try Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, the Ahwahnee Hotel, or a campsite like Upper Pines, Camp 4, and Wawona Campground.

With most guided tours, like Pfaller’s, you won’t have to worry about the entrance logistics, either. “People just have to get themselves to San Francisco, and then I basically take care of everything else,” he says.

Weather

Horsetail Fall is a winter-to-early-spring waterfall that’s fed through snowmelt and run-off. It typically stops running by summer. With that in mind, you need adequate snowmelt for the waterfall to occur. You also need weather warm enough to melt said snow and clear skies for that luminous Horsetail Fall glow.

Pfaller suggests giving yourself at least three nights for the conditions to align. And speaking of weather: come prepared for cold and potential snow. In February, Yosemite temperatures range from the 50s to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Wear a warm coat, multiple layers, and hiking boots. Pack a headlamp and warm layers for the walk back to your car after sunset.

How to Photograph Firefall

Fortunately, photographing Horsetail Fall’s winter glow isn’t as challenging as snapping the night sky. If you’re photographing with a mirrorless or DSLR camera, use a telephoto lens to get closer to the blazing falls for dramatic effect. Consider a tripod to avoid camera shake, and arrive at your viewpoint early so you can nail the composition. If you’re using a newer iPhone, plan to zoom in, too, but make sure to do so via the optical zoom at the bottom of the phone screen instead of pinching and zooming.

And if photography is your main goal, consider booking a Firefall photo tour so you don’t have to worry about scouting the perfect spot.

Firefall History

These days, most park visitors associate Firefall with the natural Horsetail Fall glow, but the history goes back further. In the late 1800s, the Mountain House Hotel owners created a manmade version of Firefall by pushing a bonfire off Glacier Point’s edge in a ploy to attract tourism. Just like today’s Firefall, the spectacle brought many travelers, but by the mid-1900s, the park ended the practice to better serve its mission of protecting Yosemite’s natural wonders.