Natural 'Firefall' Predicted For February At Yosemite

Jan 30, 2020 by apost team

Most likely, everyone has seen a waterfall in a movie or on TV. Not as many people have had the chance to marvel at the real thing; at least not a substantial one. The beauty can be overwhelming. But not to be outdone, Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall, situated on the east side of the mountain El Capitan, takes it a step further by busting out a firefall.

Only happening a few short days a year, the image is created when the sun, as it sets, casts its glowing light onto the water of Horsetail Fall, creating the illusion of lava or fire spilling over the top and flowing to the bottom.

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Now, there’s no guarantee that this will happen every year. There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle that have to come together just right for this enchanting phenomenon to take place.

If there is not enough water flowing over the fall, then the trick won’t work because the sun won’t be able to reflect as well. And there have been plenty of dry years at Yosemite that have slowed the fall to a tiny trickle.

Also, if the sun is obscured by weather, it won’t be able to give off the light that is required to create the illusion. Even a bit of cloudiness can ruin the day for patient onlookers.

And then there’s the timing. Generally occurring only from February 14th to February 27th, you’ll have to plan to be there on the right day and find a good viewing spot. Luckily, the park provides information on the best viewing points; but unless you have a handicap placard, which gives you access to the El Capitan Picnic Area, you’ll have to trek about 1.5 miles to get a good view.

You don’t have to get any special permission or permits to go searching for the perfect vantage point, so throw on those hiking boots, grab your granola bars, and get to it!

Given the dates that this incredible sight is supposed to peak, wouldn’t it make an amazing Valentine’s Day date? Think about it, what could be more romantic than a firefall?

Have you ever witnessed nature take a wacky form? Fire tornado anyone? Let us know about it! And don’t forget to let your friends in on this majestic sight.