Yosemite National Park is — among other things — known for its numerous waterfalls that drop into Yosemite Valley. However, Yosemite’s famous Firefall isn’t really the name of one of the waterfalls that grace the valley created by glaciers.

Firefall is a wondrous phenomenon that occurs in the National Park in California in the middle of winter. When the February sun falls on Horsetail Falls (2,130 ft.) on the Northside face of Yosemite Valley, what you see is a waterfall that looks like liquid-fire flowing down the rock face.

Visiting Yosemite in February

The best place to view the Firefall is the El Capitan Picnic Area just off the Northside Drive (one-way road) in Yosemite Valley. The Firefall lasts for a few minutes before the sun goes down. However, you might want to arrive there much earlier keeping the traffic and parking issues in mind. You also want to secure a good spot to spot the fiery waterfall.

Note: This is a rare and precious sight so Yosemite National Park gets a lot of visitors in February. And you will have to wait until evening to be able to witness this spectacle.

If you are visiting over the weekends (and holidays) in February, you will need reservations to enter the park. (See exact dates below.) The idea of the reservations is to manage the weekend crowds during this time of the year. However, you still might face some parking challenges when you visit.

Everything you need to know about Firefall

• Best time to visit to see the Firefall – Mid to late February
• You will have to have reservations to enter the park on weekends in February
• You will need a reservation to visit the park/view the Firefall in Yosemite National Park on these days in Feb 2025: February 8, February 9, February 15, February 16, February 17, February 22, and February 23
• You will also need campground reservations if you’d like to camp in the park in February
• Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov
• To view the Firefall, it should be a clear day
• The amount of water dropping from the top of the cliff will depend on the snowmelt
• Parking: Yosemite Falls Parking is the closest parking. You could also park at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and take the shuttle to El Capitan Picnic Area. (One of the lanes on this part of Northside Drive might be closed to vehicles to allow the extra foot traffic the season gets.) 
• For other restrictions during this time, visit — the park’s official site
• Make sure to dress warm, maybe even carry extra layers for the winter air up there
• Don’t forget your tripods and flashlights/headlamps
• Make sure to get there early and find a great spot to view this phenomenon
• Be aware: there might be travel restrictions if there is a snowstorm or winter conditions are harsh during these weeks in February 
• For public Transport into the park, visit YARTS
• To stay in a vacation rental in Mariposa (around 30 miles from the Arch Rock Entrance) look for an availability at Casa Mariposa

Video Courtesy: Yosemite National Park, California

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