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."

"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.""

Horsetail Fall at Yosemite's eastern edge of El Capitan appears to glow orange at sunset, creating the Firefall phenomenon. The effect occurs roughly 20 to 25 minutes before sunset and is visible primarily mid to late February, with Feb. 10–27 (centered on President's Day weekend) the ideal window. Conditions require adequate winter snowmelt for water flow and at least patches of clear sky for the sun to illuminate the fall. The event draws large crowds to the El Capitan Picnic Area, prompting early arrivals, parking challenges, and extensive camera gear. Visitors should wait through sunset because brief cloud holes can produce the display.

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