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How To Experience Firefall In Yosemite National Park In 2023

Firefall at Horsetail Falls, Yosemite 2023
Firefall at Horsetail Falls, Yosemite [Image Matthew Dillon/Flickr]
Recently, the magical phenomenon known as the Yosemite Firefall has widely done its rounds on social media. In fact, Horsetail Falls lit by the sunset has become so popular, there will be restrictions on numbers for 2023. Read on to find out more about the phenomenon and how you can experience it firsthand early next year.

Firefall in Yosemite National Park

Each year from mid to late February, a magical and unique sight can be witnessed as the sun sets over Yosemite National Park. The unusual sight happens at Horsetail Falls in the park, which flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in the valley in the wintertime.

Firefall at Horsetail Falls, Yosemite 2023
Firefall at Horsetail Falls, Yosemite [Image Wikimedia Commons]
As the sun sets, the falls can be seen lit with brilliant shades of red and orange, almost as if lava was flowing down the cliff. The phenomenon has been named Yosemite Firefall and it never fails to captivate visitors that head there to see it.

Yosemite Firefall 2023

As can be imagined, the phenomenon has become so popular, visitors flock to Yosemite National Park each year to experience it. For that reason, anyone wishing to experience Firefall this year will find that restrictions are in place daily from noon to 7 pm. According to the National Park Service (NPS), tentative dates for 2023 are around February 10 to 28. However, it is always best to check closer to the date as the phenomenon depends on unpredictable weather factors.

It must also be borne in mind that the Firefall effect happens on evenings when there are clear skies as the waterfall flows and gets backlit by the sunset. It also only happens in February, when the sunset is in the correct position. However, while overhead clouds or haze can spoil the effect, on rare occasions, they can enhance the experience with interesting light play.

A number of elements must be in place for Firefall to happen. Firstly, there must be sufficient water at Horsetail Falls. The amount of water depends on how much snow melts, causing it to flow over the edge. It is clear to see how Horsetail Falls got its name, as, under normal circumstances, the falls do, indeed look like a white horsetail. Readers can see the falls under normal conditions below.

Horsetail Falls, Yosemite
Horsetail Falls, Yosemite [Image Wikimedia Commons]

What time is best to see Firefall in 2023?

The magical phenomenon happens between five and fifteen minutes before sunset. It is so popular, that people from all over the US head to Yosemite to find a prime spot to view Firefall. It is best to find the perfect spot early in the day. In fact, Yosemite.com suggests anyone interested in seeing it head there in the late morning, or early afternoon.

How to get to Horsetail Falls?

According to the NPS, those wishing to see Horsetail Falls should park at the Yosemite Falls parking (west of Yosemite Valley Lodge). From there, it is about a 1.5-mile walk to the viewing area, close to El Capitan Picnic Area. If that particular area is full, the NPS advises people to park at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and travel on the free shuttle to the viewing area.

Bear in mind that one lane of Northside Drive will be closed to vehicles over that time, to make way for pedestrians heading between Yosemite Falls parking and the viewing area. Please note that stopping or parking to unload passengers on Northside Drive is prohibited. Readers can find more information about parking and visiting the area from the NPS website.

Firefall at Horsetail Falls, Yosemite National Park
Firefall [Image by slworking2 on Flickr]

Please note

One lane of Northside Drive will be closed to vehicles. This will be done to make way for pedestrians heading between the Yosemite Falls parking site and the viewing area. Parking or stopping to unload passengers on Northside Drive in the area is prohibited. Find out more details about parking and accessing the area from the NPS website.

Ensure you have warm clothing, as it gets chilly once the sun goes down. You should also make sure you have a headlamp or flashlight with you.

It is only recently that Yosemite Firefall has been known and recent years have seen a huge increase in interest. For that reason, the park added new restrictions. This became necessary after the area was strewn with litter and unsanitary conditions occurred due to a lack of facilities. However, according to the NPS, this year will see toilets and dumpsters available at the picnic area. Visitors are urged to use the facilities to stop the litter in the park.

Always remember, to take only photos and leave only footprints when experiencing Yosemite Firefall in 2023.