Photographing Horsetail Fall "Firefall" in Yosemite Valley
Photographing Horsetail Fall "Firefall" in Yosemite Valley
Introductory Overview
Photographing Horsetail Fall's "Firefall" in Yosemite Valley is a must-see spectacle for photographers and nature lovers alike. Occurring only in mid-to-late February, this rare natural phenomenon illuminates the waterfall in fiery orange and red hues, resembling molten lava cascading down El Capitan. The combination of precise sunlight angles, clear skies, and water flow creates this fleeting wonder, making it one of Yosemite’s most unique and sought-after photographic opportunities. Spectators flock from all over the world to capture this extraordinary scene and experience its ephemeral beauty.
Adventure Guide To Photographing Horsetail Fall "Firefall"
1. El Capitan Picnic Area
- Location: Just off Northside Drive in Yosemite Valley.
- What Makes It Special: This is one of the most popular and accessible viewpoints for the "Firefall." The unobstructed views of the eastern face of El Capitan allow for incredible close-up shots of the illuminated waterfall.
- Key Features: Plenty of open space and direct sightlines for telephoto and landscape framing. Arrive early as this spot tends to fill up quickly.
2. Southside Drive Near Cathedral Beach
- Location: Along Southside Drive, close to Cathedral Beach picnic area.
- What Makes It Special: This quieter vantage point offers a slightly wider perspective of Horsetail Fall, perfect for including surrounding granite cliffs. It's an excellent choice for photographers who want a more peaceful experience.
- Key Features: Smaller crowds and shaded spots for waiting comfortably during golden hour.
3. Sentinel Bridge Parking Area
- Location: Near Sentinel Bridge, alongside the Merced River.
- What Makes It Special: While not a common spot, this location offers the chance to capture reflections of Horsetail Fall on the river, adding a unique composition to your photos.
- Key Features: A beautiful, serene setting with versatile shooting options.
Local Insights
- This phenomenon relies on several factors, including adequate water flow in Horsetail Fall, clear skies at sunset, and the correct sun angle. These conditions align for only 10-15 days each year.
- Local lore attributes the "Firefall" name to the historic Yosemite Firefall, a now-banned practice where burning embers were pushed off Glacier Point, mimicking a glowing waterfall.
Visitor Tips
- Best Times to Visit: Arrive between February 16-26, around 5:15-5:45 PM for the best light conditions.
- What to Bring: Tripod, telephoto lens, warm clothing, and snacks as temperatures drop after sunset.
- Directions: From Yosemite Valley, drive along Northside or Southside Drive for designated parking areas (plan 15-30 minutes). Note that shuttle service and parking restrictions may apply during peak times.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Edwin “Ed” Rivera2 years ago
Amazing experience. Park a little far and walk around 1.5 miles. Arrive early since people gather around especially if you are a photographer. The view from most of the points are very open and easy to spot. Recommended lenses 200-500mm and a 24-70 is good. If you want to make the waterfall shine use a cpl filter.
John P2 years ago
The annual firefall gathering in the park has grown bigger and bigger. Some professional photographers are abandoning the event altogether due to the crowd. But it is still a great event that worth your time to fool around the park for a whole day, waiting for the spectacular moment.
With the new regulation, park rangers close all the parking spot and vista points near the south drive road after 12:00 AM and the only open vista point is near the El capitan picnic area. The designated parking place is the the Yosemite fall parking lot near Yosemite Lodge. Gone with the good old day, where you can choose your preferred view points around the park.
To enjoy the event more, avoid the weekend, if you must go at the weekend:
1. Arrive the designated parking lot before 1:00 PM to secure a parking spot
2. Start hiking to the Picnic area before 2:30PM to secure a good tripod place
3. Wear warm clothes, and carry a portable chair.
4. Don't forget the binocular (horse tail fall can be hardly seen with naked eyes) and a flash light because it will be pitch dark when the event ends and you need to walk more than 1 mile back to the parking lot
Some tips:
1. Some people ride bicycle, or drag a cart to carry their stuff, not a bad idea, because a whole lane was reserved for pedestrian.
2. At the end of events, so many cars are leaving the park at the same time, it will take more than 30 minutes before you can leave the parking lot. You can take the time to take some shot of moon-lit half dome, and sentinel meadow. it is really beautiful.
3. Don't forget to carry some food and snacks unless you want to walk to the visitor center, or grocery store, otherwise you will lose your parking space.
2022 update: there has been no rain or snow for about 50 days in the valley. The horsetail fall barely has any water flowing as 02/20/2022, not a good year to see the fire fall.
PD11 months ago
We’d been here for 3days, rainy, snowy and sunny. The last day(Thursday, Feb22), the weather was very good, very sunny and finally we did it!!!!
We arrived there around 3.30pm and the parking lot was full already, packed of people and crowded. They allow parking only at Yosemite valley lodge, for others parking (included El capital picnic area) there are reserved only disabled permit. There is one way drive so if you passed it, you have to drive around spend time about 20-30mins for finding parking spot again. The greatest view was start around 5.15pm. but it’s depend on that day. It’s very beautiful and worth to wait!!
erin green2 years ago
Firefalls were glowing, lots of people so be prepared for the slow walk, if you catch the falls you'll be back to lodging in the area with 2 to 3 hours because of traffic and the number of people walking back too. Stunning though,a beautiful site, but not serene if that's your goal for you February trip to Yosemite. Try tunnel view too while your here. Looks like a postcard.
Tina Nguyen2 years ago
I had a visit to Yosemite National Park on 2/28/21. I went and used Hwy 140 Merced river in and out. Since Hwy 120 and Hwy 108 are currently closed along with some other roads so make sure to check on the Yosemite/NPS website for current road closures etc.
Merced River has a lot of water, wildflowers, I was capturing some images while I was on the way there.
The park was mostly empty with few visitors per COVID restrictions.
It was great to have most of the trails and vista points to myself.
It is a very unique sight, because in the winter months so the air crispy and the Covid restriction makes it so quiet at the same time, it’s very peaceful.
One of the world's most beautiful wonders, outstanding, incredible, very powerful place.
Snow, rain, water flows, clouds, green trees, deer, birds, etc... amazing.
My love ingredient for California nature is completely subdued while I’m in this park.
The highlight of my trip was Firefall.
It was a stunning show from Mother Nature.
In a very short time but I was able to watch Horsetail Fall glows from orange to red at sunset.
It incredible show to record some beautiful videos.
Memories from Yosemite!!!
