It’s that time of year again! Yosemite National Park’s famous natural phenomenon, the firefall, will once again be making an appearance. Visitors can catch the firefall from mid-to-late February each year at sunset when the orange glow of the water creates the illusion of hot, molten lava flowing from the mountain. A strange phenomenon that has turned into a beloved tradition, this firefall in Northern California is something you have to see to believe. Interested in learning more about what causes the Yosemite Firefall and how long it will last this year? Read on!

The beauty of Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park isn't exactly a secret around here. It's one of the park's most popular features.
heyengel via Getty Images
However, you can see it in one of its rarest forms when you visit it February 10-26 as it transforms into the Firefall.
Located on the east side of El Capitan, Horsetail Fall is a seasonal waterfall that flows only in the winter and early spring. However, given the amount of precipitation California has received this winter from a series of drenching storms rolling off the Pacific, the 2023 firefall should be good for a great show!
Michael Castaneda via Getty Images
Seeing it as it cascades down the side of El Capitan in two, 1,500-foot streams is always a mesmerizing experience. And yet, it becomes even more spectacular for a select amount of time in February.
Visible almost every year during the month of February, the "firefall" occurs when the sunset hits the waterfall just right and illuminates it in a fiery red glow.
Phoenix Wang via Getty Images
It really does look like a waterfall of fire!

Related Stories

The Entire Family Will Love Visiting This Fantastic Farm In Northern California With A Petting Zoo, Hay Rides, And Picnic Spots

The Entire Family Will Love Visiting This Fantastic Farm In Northern California With A Petting Zoo, Hay Rides, And Picnic Spots

 The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Northern California That Runs Along The Coast

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Northern California That Runs Along The Coast

 Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Northern California

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Northern California
Catching this stunning natural phenomenon firsthand can be tricky.
Larry Zhou via Getty Images
It's only visible on evenings when the sky is completely clear of clouds and fog, and the sun must set at just the right angle. Oh, and the waterfall must be flowing at just the right amount for it to work.
But if all the conditions line up perfectly, then the firefall will appear...
Stephanie Hager - HagerPhoto via Getty Images
...but only for approximately 10 minutes, so make sure your camera is ready. Exactly when the firefall appears changes from year to year, but for 2023, it's expected to be visible select February evenings as dusk falls.
If you're wondering how to see the Yosemite firefall, take note: reservations are required this year. Last year, no reservations were required; for 2023, you'll reserve a spot for one of the following timeframes: • February 10-12 • February 17-19 • February 24-26 Visit the NPS website to learn more and make your reservation.
Willa Wei / 500px via Getty Images
A few other tips of advice for viewing the Yosemite firefall this year: be ready to walk to and from the viewing area. It’s a long walk, and it will be cold and dark when walking back to your vehicle. And also check Yosemite’s website for the latest road closures the day before *and* the day of, as weather changes fast and unexpectedly in this region of California!

For a short time in February, Yosemite Park’s Horsetail Falls will glow as if it’s actually on fire; this truly is something you need to see in person. Visit the NPS website to learn more about this year’s amazing event. Check out the short video below for a sped-up version of the phenomenon from start to finish!

Have you had the pleasure of seeing the Yosemite Firefall before? Tell us about your experience in the comments! Make the most of your time at Northern California’s extraordinary national park and take a look at these 7 Little-Known Things To Do On Your Next Visit To Yosemite.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Yosemite Firefall

Sarah M. | February 01, 2021

What are some little-known facts about Yosemite National Park?

In addition to, you know, being the site of a firefall in Northern California, Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and memorable things to see and do! Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, this site is renowned for its sequoia trees, Tunnel View, El Capitan, and the Half Dome Hike -- but there are definitely some hidden gems and little-known facts about this beautiful state park. Perhaps most noteworthy is The Ahwahnee Hotel, an iconic example of parkitecture (a design aesthetic meant to blend in with natural surroundings), and its interior was actually the inspiration for Stanley Kubrick’s movie adaptation of The Shining. Another cool tidbit? Horse enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that you can actually tackle the trails on horseback; trail rides are typically offered in two-hour, half-day, and full-day increments, and we recommend this option for the scenic Mirror Lake trail.

What are some other scenic parks in Northern California?

Northern California is an absolutely stunning place to live and to visit, with the most beautiful and scenic outdoor parks. Some of our favorites include Castle Crags, Lava Beds National Monument, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Tahoe, and Gold Country. And of course, the California Redwood National and State Parks, one of the state's most wondrous treasures.

How long does the Yosemite Firefall last, and how can I see it?

The Yosemite Firefall is one of the most marvelous natural phenomena in the country. It happens when sunlight and water come together in just the right way at Yosemite National Park in California, creating an illusion of literal fire pouring off the black basalt cliff. For the 2023 season, the first one is coming up this February. (A possible second one occurs in fall.) Last year, no reservations were required. But you’ll need a reservation this time out for certain dates to enter Yosemite National Park, which you can learn more about on the NPS website.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Yosemite National Park, California, USA