People gather ahead of Yosemite’s “Firefall”
YOSEMITE – We were mere amateurs among professionals, but no one seemed to mind, as a hush fell on the crowd looking out at Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park.
Colors began to change on the cliffs, as light played with water, and in the setting sun, the mountain blazed with a fiery red and orange mirage: Firefall.
Click on images to enlarge.
In February, when conditions are right, Yosemite’s Firefall amazes and delights hundreds of people who visit the Park to view and photograph the spectacular natural show. It happens when there’s enough water in Horsetail Fall to match the light of the particular angle of the setting sun. This, then, should be a very good year.
Daytime conditions must be warm enough to melt ice, and the night skies must be clear to let the light through to the water. Timing depends on the whims of nature.
Photo by Ambitious Wench, Creative Commons
What begins roughly the second or third week of February peaks later in the month, and as the incredible display comes to a crescendo, the mountain is “on fire” with deep reds and vibrant gold.
Sometimes the phenomenon appears as a red lava flow, other times, as if liquid gold was pouring down.
The time for Firefall is starting now, barring precipitation which is expected, and will continue for about two weeks days, more or less.
Precipitation and cloud cover can change quickly, so check for conditions that are clear. Horsetail Fall is on, big time. The bigger the waterfall, the better the firefall.
Many people gather conveniently at the El Capitan picnic area, for a good view of Horsetail Fall that’s easy to access (less than 2 miles past Yosemite Valley Lodge at the Falls on Northside Drive). You can also seek out any safe location where the falls are backlit by the setting sun, with many good spots along the river.
Yosemite Conservancy offers a workshop on photographing Firefall.
Yosemite Conservancy is offering a workshop on photographing the Firefall, from Tuesday, Feb. 21 to Friday, Feb. 24. Professional photographer John Senser will “lead a quest to help you capture striking images of this fleeting display.”
It’s reported to be an easy hike with Yosemite Conservancy, less than 1 mile on mostly level terrain, and with snow, conditions may vary. The elevation is 4,000-feet and the registration fee is $429 with park entry and camping included.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a pro to view and capture the magic of Firefall. We drove in with friends and teens lastfor the first time. Every second that passed as we were watching, we were more impressed. It kept getting better, and the 10 minutes it lasted seemed much longer.
Point and shoot works well, too!
If you go to photograph Firefall and you’re not a pro, some of the cameras poised may be intimidating. As long as you don’t knock anyone’s fancy tripod over, you’ll be fine. It’s a long drive into the valley and can be a little crowded, so gas up, arrive early for good parking, and plan to drive out after dark.
It’s February in Yosemite – dress accordingly. Our point-and-shoot cameras did a fairly decent job of covering the action. Remember, though, it’s not just about capturing the photograph.
The best part is just being there.
Get comfortable — it’s outstanding.
