Horsetail Fall is one of the most overlooked waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, and often dries up in the summer months. But each February, Horsetail Fall has a chance to shine, literally.
The Horsetail Fall “Firefall” is one of the most unique sights in the national park system. But it can only occur when conditions are just right.
- The sun must be in perfect alignment. The effect only happens in mid- to late-February.
- There needs to be enough snowmelt falling over the face of El Capitan to create a sufficient flow. This is a combination of snow on the ground and a warm day to melt the snow and send it over the cliff face. If these conditions aren’t met, the cliff surrounding the waterfall will still light up, but the full effect won’t be there. Yosemite keeps a webcam focused at Yosemite Falls, and you can use it to get a sense of the water flow at Horsetail Falls.
- There needs to be clear skies for the sun to light up the falls.
If you’re hoping to see the falls this year, our advice is to start planning early if you want to guarantee a spot.
How to reserve a spot
Because the phenomenon draws so many visitors, the park implements a timed-entry reservation system similar to the one they run during the busy summer months. To enter the park during these three February weekends, you must have a reservation:
- February 8-9
- February 15-17
- February 22-23
The park releases 50% of day-use reservations in November. The rest will open at 8:00 AM Pacific time, two days before a required reservation date. For example, reservations will open at 8:00 AM on February 6 for the February 8 – 9 weekend.
You’ll also be able to enter if you have a camping or tour reservation in the park or enter on the YART bus.
Mediate the impact
The firefall is an amazing event, but the park urges visitors to stay safe and be mindful of protecting the environment while observing the phenomenon. The park has released a series of tips to protect yourself and the park.
Protect Yourself
- Bring warm clothes and a headlamp or flashlight for each person.
- Expect snowy and icy conditions. Wear warm footwear and bring traction devices for your boots.
- Expect to park far from your viewing area: prepare to walk to and from the viewing area (it will be cold and dark when you’re walking back to your car).
- Stay out of burned areas and watch for burned snags and branches, which may fall unexpectedly.
Protect the Park
- Stay out of meadows. Meadows support a majority of plant and animal species in the park yet are fragile and easily disturbed.
- Stay on trails. When necessary to go off trail (e.g., at a viewing area), areas under forest that have little ground vegetation are the best places to gather.
- Limit your impacts by staying in disturbed areas. Compacted soils prevent plant root growth, inhibiting revegetation in barren areas.
- Do not cross into fenced areas. Fenced areas contain sensitive native ecosystems.
- Use the vault toilets at El Capitan picnic area.
- Use the trash and recycling dumpsters at El Capitan picnic area or pack out all your trash.
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