Every February, there is a magnificent winter migration that captures the attention of photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The crowd grows larger each year as thousands make their way to Yosemite National Park to witness a spectacular event known affectionately as “the firefall.”
Mid-February is the prime time to witness the mesmerizing firefall, as it coincides with the torrents of water cascading down the petite Horsetail Fall caused by winter storms. To keep up with the escalating interest in this awe-inspiring spectacle, the park now mandates pre-booked reservations for visitors eager to partake in the Friday through Sunday firefall extravaganza.
For the mesmerizing phenomenon of the “firefall” to transpire, a cloudless sky and a sufficient amount of snow to gracefully fall over the layered rocks are imperative. The park service clarifies on their official website that even a slight haze or mild cloudiness can considerably reduce or completely extinguish this enchanting spectacle.
According to National Geographic, the renowned landscape photographer Ansel Adams was the first to photograph the waterfall in the 1940s, but his picture was in black and white. The credit for capturing the breathtaking “firefall” effect in color goes to Galen Rowell, a National Geographic photographer who achieved this feat in 1973.
In the fortunate event that everything unfolds smoothly, as the sun begins its descent, the majestic heights of Yosemite Valley gradually cast El Capitan into darkness, starting from the western side and progressing eastward. However, amidst this gradual shroud, a slender strip of sunlight delicately touches upon the cascade, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The stark difference between the shimmering mist and the subdued rocks imparts a radiant glow to the waterfall, enchanting all who behold it.