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This year, you’ll need a reservation to see the “Firefall” phenomenon in Yosemite.
This year, people who want to see the rare “firefall” at Yosemite National Park will need to make a reservation. This is because the National Park Service (NPS) is trying to limit crowds.
The event happens every year when the park’s Horsetail Fall is backlit by the setting sun. This makes it look like it’s on fire, creating an optical illusion that looks like lava pouring down the famous El Capitan. The event, which usually takes place in the middle or end of February, is a sight to behold and draws huge crowds. In fact, more than 2,400 people came in just one day last year.
The NPS is requiring reservations to get into the park on the weekends of Feb. 10–12, Feb. 17–19, and Feb. 24–26, even if people don’t plan to go to Horsetail Fall. This is to keep the crowds down. Monday through Thursday, you won’t have to make a reservation.
Each day-use reservation should be available online at 8 a.m. PT two days before the date of the reservation.
“Horsetail Fall can look like it’s on fire when it’s backlit by the sun at sunset. The NPS said in an advisory that this one-of-a-kind lighting effect occurs only on clear nights in mid- to late-February when the waterfall is flowing and the sun is at the right angle.”This event brings a lot of people to a small area, which causes traffic jams, parking problems, safety concerns, and damage to natural and cultural resources.”
People who already have a day-use reservation, a reservation at a certain campground or hotel, or a commercial use permit do not need to make another reservation to get into the park.
The NPS says that people who want to see the event can park at Yosemite Falls and walk 1.5 miles to a viewing area near the El Capitan Picnic Area. With a free shuttle, you can find more parking at Yosemite Village or Curry Village.
The NPS is limiting the number of people who can see “Firefall,” but you won’t need a reservation to go to Yosemite in the summer.
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