Yosemite National Park’s ‘firefall’ returns in February 2023 but with some new rules for visitors. For everything you need to know about the 2023 firefall season, click here.
This picture is owned by Darvin Atkeson.
The annual ‘Firefall’ at Horsetail falls is one of the Parks’ most amazing spectacles and brings out thousands of visitors each year.
It happens each year in mid to late February when the setting sun hits the waterfall at just at the right angle to create a glowing orange and red sight, like a waterfall of fire.
But because of its popularity, the park has implemented new rules this year to reduce traffic jams.
No reservations will be required, but guests are being asked to park at Yosemite Falls Parking and walk 1.5 miles to a viewing area near the El Capitan Picnic area.
If that parking lot is full, park officials say that people can park at any of the other parking lots and take the free shuttle to the Yosemite Falls Parking lot.There will also be several road closures to accommodate the additional foot traffic and new rules for dropping off passengers.
All visitors will also be required to wear a mask.
The full list of rules can be found by clicking here.
The park says the tentative dates for the next Firefall are February 10 to February 28.
What is Firefall? It’s a glorious, orange-tinged nature show called “Firefall.” The lava-lookalike spectacle happens at Horsetail Fall, which flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. It’s a small waterfall, and it normally flows only during winter. But it can make a big visual impact if waterfall flow and sunlight come together in the right mix.
For more great pictures, visit Yosemitelandscapes.com