YosemiteThere are not many places in the world that you can witness water turn to fire right before your very eyes, but for two weeks in February, this magic may appears for the very few who make this trek to Yosemite to see it.
- To see this spectacle in person you must start with planning. Fireball only happens once per year during the mid to last few weeks of February. Firefall occurs when Horsetail falls, in Yosemite Valley, sits perfectly aligned with the setting sun to make the falls glow with yellow and orange hues which make the water magically appear to be set on fire.
- The USPS park service is currently requiring reservations for individual travelers to enter the park. The reservation system opens the first day of the month at 7am Pacific where they release 80% of the passes for the month.
- If you are one of the lucky reservations holders, you must enter the park on the day that your reservation is granted.
- Reservations are not required if you are entering with a tour or tour group. This method guarantees that you will get entry into the park. (see Bucket List Cruise and Travel for booking your tour)
- The “Firefall” will only be viewable on a clear or sunny day. if the sky’s are cloudy or overcast, the Firefall may not appear. Plan your trip by looking at the weather in advance of your planned arrival.
- You may want to schedule a longer visit. If you want to have the best chance for getting to see Firefall, you should plan to stay in Yosemite or the Yosemite area for more than one day.
- The parking area is a one and half mile walk to the base of the viewing area. Wear good walking shoes and plan to be away from your vehicle for several hours.
- Don’t forget to take your camera, warm clothes, gloves, hats and a thermos and snacks for comfort while waiting for Firefall to happen.
- Rustic toilets are available in the viewing area. Hand wipes would be a good idea.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Where should I park?
Head towards Yosemite Falls. The parking we used was in the Yosemite Falls parking lot. The road to Horsetail Falls was closed to vehicles beyond the Yosemite Falls parking area. Many people were already there and had secured positions for the clearest shots.
What should I bring with me?
Bring warm clothing, even on a warm day, when the sun sets it gets cold. Bring your camera. Some people brought chairs but many sat on logs. You may wish to bring a thermos or snacks if you arrive early and plan to be there for awhile. You may want to bring a flashlight or headlamp for the walk back to your car.
What is I or someone with me has mobility issues?
There was parking set aside for ADA. The parking was full when we arrived by 4PM. Get there early to access this parking lot.
How far is the viewing area from the parking?
The viewing area is approximately a mile and a half from the parking area. They close on side of the road so that guests can walk in the road to the viewing area. The road is mostly level but does have some slight grades up and down.
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