How and When to Visit Yosemite’s Iconic ‘Firefall’ in 2025

The Horsetail Fall 'Firefall' is a celebrated event in Yosemite. See the beauty for yourself by visiting El Capitan this February.

Maria Aldrich | Nov 15, 2024

People make their way to the Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Known as 'firefall' by many visitors, this name was given to the waterfall for the vivid orange glow that people say resembles lava when conditions are met. / David Rodriguez/The Salinas Californian / USA TODAY NETWORK

In late February, the 'Firefall' can be seen flowing over the edge of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This natural phenomenon draws in visitors from all over who hope to witness the magic.

In 2025, the dates for this event run from February 8 through February 23. Due to the crowds in previous years, the park requires a reservation system for February 8-9, 15-17, and 22-23. While Horsetail Fall illuminates just a few minutes before sunset, visitors should plan to arrive several hours early. Reservations will be available next week and can be made on Recreation.gov.

While the stunning view is enough to captivate your attention, some visitors may wonder why and how this incredible event takes place.

The fall is known as an ephemeral waterfall which will only flow over El Capitan's eastern edge after significant precipitation. According to Yosemite Conservancy, the ideal month to see this phenomenon is in February when the sunset illuminates the falls, making the water appear as though it's on fire.

However, the sunset isn't enough to make this event happen. Conditions in the western sky must be clear, and the waterfall must be flowing, which it may not be if it has been unusually dry or cold. For it to flow, there has to be plenty of snowmelt.

Galen Rowell took the first known photograph of the 'Firefall' in 1973. To this day, his photograph is regarded as one of the best images of this magnificent occurrence.

To view the falls, visitors will need to hike 1.5 miles to El Capitan Picnic Area. Protect yourself from the outside environment by arriving prepared with a warm jacket, traction devices for your boots, and a source of lighting.

As with any outdoor pursuit, remember to practice the Leave No Trace Principles while you are visiting Horsetail Fall.

Published Nov 15, 2024

MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel, and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline, or spending time with family.