Horsetail Fall (Yosemite)

The famous 'Firefall' effect occurs when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Horsetail Fall, illuminating the cascading water in brilliant shades of orange and red. This optical illusion happens because the waterfall flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan, catching the specific angle of the sunset. It makes the water look like it is entirely made of fire or glowing lava.

The spectacular lighting event only occurs during the late winter and early spring, specifically for a couple of weeks in February. During this brief window, the sun sets at the exact angle required to backlight the cliff face. Additionally, there must be enough snowmelt flowing over the Merced River tributary for the waterfall to actually exist.

Horsetail Fall is a seasonal waterfall located in Yosemite Valley within Yosemite National Park, California. It plunges roughly 1,500 feet down the eastern granite face of the iconic El Capitan rock formation. Because it relies entirely on snowmelt, the falls are usually dry for most of the year.

In recent years, Yosemite National Park has implemented a specific reservation system for viewing the February Firefall. Because the event draws massive crowds of photographers and tourists, the park restricts access to the El Capitan picnic area to manage traffic and protect the environment. Visitors without the proper day-use permits are turned away during the peak viewing weekends.