With Yosemite ditching reservations for firefall, will it be a mess? Here's what to know

"When skies are clear and Horsetail Falls is flowing, the firefall phenomenon happens in mid- to late February as the setting sun illuminates the falls for a few minutes before disappearing, giving the water a lava-like orange glow. A hazy or cloudy evening can dramatically reduce or destroy the effect. Yet since photographer Galen Rowell captured a striking image in 1973, thousands of visitors (many of them photographers) have made the journey, vying for the ideal position, prompting various safety measures. By 2021, rangers were using reservation requirements to thin the crowds."

"This year, firefall views are considered mostly likely to take place Feb. 10-26, and a reservation is not required to see it or to visit Yosemite in February. Instead, park officials aim to limit crowds by restricting car and foot traffic. As the Mariposa Gazette reported, Yosemite National Park Superintendent Ray McPadden said that "a bunch of boots on the ground is going to be our principal strategy." With these changes, here are a few things to know if you're hoping to experience the glow."

"Where to park Rangers are urging visitors to park in the Yosemite Falls parking area (just west of Yosemite Valley Lodge) and walk 1.5 miles to the viewing area near El Capitan Picnic Area. If there's no parking available at Yosemite Falls, rangers say, visitors should park at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and use the free shuttle (which stops at both) to get to Yosemite Falls parking/Yosemite Valley Lodge, then begin the walk. What to bring Expect snow and ice, and bring warm clothes, traction devices for your boots and a headlamp or flashlight for the 3-mile round-trip walk, rangers advise."

The firefall occurs when clear skies and flowing Horsetail Falls align in mid- to late February, producing a brief lava-like orange glow as the setting sun lights the water. Hazy or cloudy evenings can diminish or eliminate the effect. Growing interest since a 1973 photograph led to large crowds and safety measures, including reservation use by 2021. This year’s peak likelihood is Feb. 10–26, and reservations are not required. Park officials will limit crowds by restricting car and foot traffic and increasing ranger presence. Visitors are advised to use designated parking or shuttles and to bring warm clothing, traction devices, and lights for the round-trip walk.

Read at Los Angeles Times