Firefalls of Yosemite National Park

by Bella Velazquez

Once a year, Yosemite National Park celebrates a unique, natural occurrence at one of its waterfalls. From early to late February, a phenomenon happens at Horsetail Falls in which the setting sun strikes the water in such a way that the waterfall appears to be pure fire.

Horsetail Falls flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley and its small waterfall usually flows only during winter and can be easy to miss during the other months of the year. And yet, on rare occasions during February, the water can glow orange when it's backlit by the sunset. This unique lighting effect happens only during evenings with a clear sky when the waterfall is flowing plentifully. Even some haze or minor cloudiness can greatly diminish or eliminate the effect. Although entirely natural, the phenomenon is reminiscent of the human-caused Firefall that historically occurred from Glacier Point.

As sunset approaches, dozens of photographers, both professional or amateur, can be seen getting their cameras ready, ready to snap a picture of the falls before it gets too dark or too cold. Nearly as impressive as the falls themselves are the photographers who are dedicated to getting the perfect picture! Often, one can see photographers climbing trees, wading into rivers, laying down in the snow, all just to get the perfect shot.

The firefalls truly are magnificent!