Every February, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Yosemite National Park to see the Firefall.
The phenomenon occurs at Horsetail Fall, a small waterfall near El Capitan that typically only flows in the winter. With the sun hitting just the right angle on the flowing water, the water fall lights up and seems to be glowing.
For many photographers, this event is on their photo bucket list.
Because the Firefall event draws so many people, the park requires entry reservations for weekend and holiday visitors in February. But just snagging a reservation isn’t enough to guarantee your perfect shot. If there’s too much cloud cover or the conditions aren’t right, the Firefall won’t happen. If everything comes together and conditions are just right, photographers have a ten minute window to capture the phenomenon.
The Firefall experience: Photographers’ perspectives
Photographers and viewers arrive at the viewing area in the early evening, eager to find the perfect spot to set up. Most visitors opt for the El Capitan Picnic Area, which becomes a maze of tripods and long-lens cameras. Other photographers seek higher ground.
“I have actually never seen it from the valley floor since I’m always up high,” said California-based photographer @natethaaaagreat on Instagram. “When [the Firefall] finally happens near sunset, everyone cheers and it echoes thru the valley because it’s not a guarantee.”
Self-proclaimed “Yosebro” Ando Arakelyan (@ando2chill) prefers side-angle views. He says, “Explore east of the El Capitan picnic area along the road walkway, you’ll find some great viewpoints, often where more people have gathered.”
“The atmosphere is full of excitement and anticipation, as families and friends come together, all hoping to witness the magical sight,” says Arakelyan. “Sometimes, the weather doesn’t cooperate, and the Firefall doesn’t appear, but the experience remains just as special. Whether or not the light breaks through the moments brings people closer, making it a memory to cherish.”
The 2025 Firefall is expected to occur from February 8-23.
