Rare ‘firefall’ stuns visitors at Yosemite National Park

Nature can be pretty lit.

A breathtaking “firefall” illuminated Yosemite National Park Wednesday when the sunset light on a waterfall made it appear like a trickle of a flame.

The rare natural phenomenon wowed visitors at the California park’s Horsetail Falls, a small waterfall that flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan.

When the sun is at the correct angle in mid- to late February, a clear sunset can backlight the falls, causing the water to briefly glow bright orange.

“When the sun drops at the exact right angle, it reflects upon El Capitan,” Yosemite National Park public affairs officer Scott Gediman told Agence France-Presse of the stunning illusion.

“It’s a combination of the sun reflecting on the water, clear skies, water flowing,” he continued.

“If all of that comes together, it’s magical.”

In fact, the firefall is such a popular draw for park visitors that Yosemite enforces restrictions to avoid an overwhelming number of outdoor enthusiasts crowding the sight. 

In 2023, reservations are required to drive into the park for the last three weekends in February. Certain campgrounds that are typically first-come, first-serve also require prior booking during the brief, elusive firefall season.

On ideal, clear evenings like Wednesday’s, the site is particularly popular with professional and amateur photographers eager to get their own snap of the firefall in action.

“Based on how the sun sets up against the mountain or the rock, it creates a really good fire effect for photographers and you can get a beautiful picture of it,” Whitney Clark of San Francisco told AFP.

Terry Cantrell, who was visiting from Fresno, agreed with Clark’s assessment.

“The pictures I’ve seen [of the firefall] are just gorgeous,” she told the outlet.

“Everybody wants to have their own, so this is what I’m trying to do.”