Every February, one of California’s most dazzling natural phenomena occurs at Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall. For a few fleeting moments at dusk, if the conditions are just right, the setting sun shines perfectly through a delicate cascade of water flowing off of El Capitan. The result is Yosemite’s “Firefall,” a brilliant molten orange waterfall that looks like a deluge of glowing fire showering over 2,000 feet down the side of the famous rock monolith. Thousands of photographers and onlookers celebrate the rare sight from below — most of them reserved their campsites months in advance just for this moment.
When is Yosemite Firefall 2025?
Yosemite Firefall 2025 is predicted between February 8-23, 2025 — or at least, Yosemite is requiring vehicle reservations on the weekends between those dates (Feb. 8-9, 15-17, 22-23). Firefall usually happens from mid-to-late February.
If you want to visit the park during those dates and you don’t already have in-park lodging or a camping reservation, you’ll need to book a vehicle reservation for $35. If you visit on a weekday (other than the 17th), you don’t need a reservation. Yosemite already opened up about half of the reservations back in November. The second half of reservations will be available two days prior to each reservation date.
What causes the Firefall in Yosemite?
Even if you visit during the anticipated date range, conditions have to be just right in order to witness the Yosemite Firefall. Here are a few determining factors that will make or break the Yosemite Firefall:
- Alignment of the sun, waterfall, and viewer: The sun-to-waterfall angle is just right in mid-to-late February. Viewers gather at the El Capitan Picnic Area for the right viewing alignment. The fall begins to light up about 5-15 minutes before sunset.
- Enough water in Horsetail Fall: The thin water stream of Horsetail Fall comes from seasonal snow runoff. The weather needs to be cold enough to still have snow on the ground, but warm enough to melt it during the day. The Yosemite Falls webcam can give you an idea of the conditions.
- Clear skies: A cloudy forecast can be enough to block the sunlight or the view of the falls.
Where is the best view of the Firefall in Yosemite?
The most popular Yosemite Firefall viewing spots are the El Capitan Picnic Area and a designated spot on the valley floor. Visitors can park at the Yosemite Falls Parking Area, or at Yosemite Village and take the free shuttle to the parking area.
Guests should anticipate a long walk between the parking and viewing areas, and with thousands of people showing up every year, it’s best to arrive early. Yosemite recommends bringing a flashlight or headlamp with a red LED capability, warm boots or durable footwear, a camping chair or pad to sit on, warm layers, and food and water. If you’re there to photograph the Firefall, they recommend gear for low-light photography, a telephoto lens, and a tripod.
🌐 Learn more: Read Yosemite’s 2025 Firefall guide