Yosemite’s Firefall Is A Rare Natural Spectacle
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California's Yosemite National Park is known for its ancient giant sequoia trees and massive rock formations. These include El Capitan and Half Dome. However, from mid-to-late February, the park's main draw is the Horsetail Fall. Under the right conditions, this winter waterfall, takes on a fiery orange glow. This makes it look like lava flowing down El Capitan, giving it the name "firefall."
What causes the "firefall" effect?
Certain conditions need to be met for the firefall to occur. First and foremost, the waterfall must be flowing. This needs sufficient snowfall and temperatures warm enough for it to melt. The skies have to be clear. Any clouds or haze will block the sunlight. Also, the Sun must strike the fall at a certain angle. This happens about 5 to 15 minutes before sunset for two weeks in February. Even when everything aligns perfectly, the firefall lasts for only about 10 minutes.
Historical connection
The natural firefall resembles an old Yosemite tradition. From the late 1800s to 1968, park workers at Glacier Point pushed burning embers over the cliff at night, creating an artificial firefall. That practice ended due to environmental concerns. But nature replaced it with a far more spectacular version.
When is the best time to see the firefall in 2025?
The best time to see the firefall will be between February 8 and 23, 2025. Due to its popularity, reservations are required on the weekends during this period. Additionally, to avoid crowds from trampling sensitive vegetation, the two easily accessible viewing areas are closed every February. Visitors must hike 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way to see the natural phenomenon.
Resources: Yosemite.com, wikipedia.org
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38 Comments
lynnh7 daysawsome- lynnh7 dayscoool
sabinac7 daysIt looks like a very bright shooting star! SO PRETTY!!!
brinleywolfgong7 daysIt’s so pretty
greyfoxlove7 daysI really want some of that water as, like, a good luck charm.
catlover_7271911 daysThat’s so cool!
hthn4511 daysWoah. Cool!- egbeavers14 daysI want to touch the water!
jared_lande15 daysthat's cool
christycairns15 daysIt looks like fire. I wish I was there!
