Horsetail Falls, February 2023
Firefall at Yosemite National Park
The Firefall is a spectacular natural phenomenon that occurs in Yosemite National Park in California, USA. For a few weeks each year in late February, the setting sun casts a bright orange and red glow on Horsetail Fall, a seasonal waterfall on the eastern side of El Capitan. This effect makes it appear as if the waterfall was flowing with fire, hence the name Firefall.
The Firefall was first discovered in the 1800s by the Miwok tribe, the native inhabitants of Yosemite Valley. In the 20th century, it became a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming from all over the world to witness the natural wonder.
In the 1960s, the Yosemite National Park Service began conducting the Firefall deliberately, by dumping hot embers from a bonfire on top of Glacier Point, which is situated across the valley from Horsetail Fall. The embers would create a glowing cascade of sparks that would fall down the cliff face, mimicking the appearance of a waterfall of fire. This practice continued until 1968, when concerns about the environmental impact of the bonfires led to the event being discontinued.
Today, the Firefall can still be seen, but only under the right conditions. The event requires clear skies, enough snowmelt to create the waterfall, and the perfect angle of the setting sun. As a result, it is a rare and fleeting spectacle that is only visible for a short period of time each year. Despite its temporary nature, the Firefall remains a beloved tradition and a reminder of the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.
