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The Yosemite Firefall phenomenon
Every year, visitors make a pilgrimage to view a relatively little-known natural phenomenon in the heart of the Yosemite National Park.
Dubbed ‘Firefall,’ this unique happening is created by the illusion that Horsetail Falls in the park is on fire.
It occurs when the light from the setting sun hits the waterfall at just the right angle, making it appear that the waterfall is made of pure flame.
The phenomenon is only visible for a short time in February and draws hundreds of visitors each night.
How it looks varies from year to year and relies on how much water is flowing down Horsetail Falls.
The waters cascade 2,000 feet down the eastern side of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley.
The waterfall is seasonal, flowing only in winter and early spring. Conditions have to be just right to see the glow and clear skies are paramount – the slightest haze or passing cloud around sunset can ruin the effect.
There’s no single perfect viewing spot to see the light show and no permits or passes are required either.
Visitors can set up anywhere between Yosemite Falls and the El Capitan picnic area.
New for 2024
Named after this iconic event, the new Firefall Ranch Resort is scheduled to open in May 2024 near the northwest entrance of Yosemite National Park.
The new resort will act as the perfect basecamp for visitors heading into the national park. The Ranch is located in serene meadowland and surrounded by forested rolling hills. It offers standalone cottage and villa accommodations as well as amenities such as a pool, fine dining restaurant, tavern and wine room. Guests can access guided excursions to the park, river rafting and snowshoeing, as well as daily wine tastings and nightly fireside s’mores.
Related News Stories: Back to nature in California
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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