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Guide to Seeing the Rare & Spectacular Yosemite Firefall
Sin categorizar, National Parks, Trip Ideas & Guides
Visitors worldwide flock to Yosemite Valley throughout February for a chance to see the rare and phenomenal Yosemite Firefall flowing over the side of El Capitan. Under the right conditions, the water flowing into the 2,130-foot Horsetail Fall refracts the low February sun to create an iconic red light resembling lava, known as the famous Yosemite Firefall.
Eager photographers and outdoor enthusiasts claim their spots early in the El Capitan Picnic Area. The show only lasts for a few minutes before sunset, when Horsetail Fall, normally a modest waterfall, comes to life, awe-inspiring all visitors.
When does the Yosemite Firefall Occur?
Yosemite Firefall only occurs from mid to late February. The spectacular only lasts about 5 to 15 minutes before sunset.
This event requires more than being in the right place at the right time; very specific conditions must align to bring the Yosemite Firefall to life.
Weather, the snowpack, a sunset clear of clouds, and your location play an important role in viewing the Yosemite Firefall.
There are many seasonal waterfalls in Yosemite, Horsetail Fall being one. It usually dries up and completely disappears by midsummer, only returning when there is a decent snowpack in Yosemite’s High Country and warm enough daytime temperatures to melt the snow that flows into Horsetail Fall.
If the weather is too cold, the water will freeze, and you won’t see the molten fire effect, just an alpenglow color on El Capitan.
Clear skies are necessary for the sun to shine through and light up the fiery fall on the granite rock. A cloudy sky decreases the chance of seeing the Yosemite Firefall and turns many visitors away. But occasionally the clouds clear at the last minute so don’t give up too soon!
And of course, February is in the middle of winter. If a snowstorm is predicted, it’s unlikely to see the firefall. Of course, if the sun can break through the clouds moments before sunset you might be in luck! Watching the weather forecast is important in planning a Yosemite Firefall trip in 2025.
What to Expect
Many are drawn to Yosemite Valley to watch Horsetail Fall light up a fiery orange under the right conditions. This means it’s a crowded event. Reaching the park early in the day will minimize parking issues.
While viewing the Yosemite Firefall don’t expect a serene experience. You’ll be crowded with many others eager to see the rare phenomenon. So rather than being bummed about the crowds, use the time to make new friends!
The Firefall only lasts for a few minutes however, it’s best to claim your spot well in advance to make sure you can see the falls in all their majesty. Arrive early!
Parking for Yosemite Firefall
Parking fills up quickly in the valley. Arrive at the park early, park your car, and spend the rest of the day walking or taking the free shuttle buses. The closest parking area to the viewing point is near the Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Falls Trailhead.
If that parking area is full then park at Curry Village and take the Yosemite Valley Shuttle to the El Cap viewing area.
Where to View the Yosemite Firefall
The best spot to view the Yosemite Firefall is from the El Capitan Picnic Area. It’s a 1.5-mile walk (each way) from the Yosemite Falls/Yosemite Valley Lodge Parking area.
The road between the Yosemite Falls parking lot and the El Capitan Picnic Area will keep one lane open for visitors to drive through. Stopping, parking, and unloading is strictly prohibited. The other lane is turned into a walking lane for visitors.
The area along the Merced River from Cathedral Beach to Sentinel Bridge will be closed. This area is still recovering from trampled vegetation and erosion back during the 2022 Firefall event.
Keep the place clean! There are vault toilets and trash cans at the El Capitan Picnic Area.
Yosemite Firefall Reservations
To manage the crowds during the 2025 Yosemite Firefall event, day-use reservations are required to enter the park for 24 hours a day during the following February weekends. Reservations are not required on weekdays except for President’s Day, Monday, February 17.
February 8 – 9, 2025
February 15 – 17, 2025 (President’s Day Weekend)
February 22 – 23, 2025
50% of the reservations opened online on November 18th at 8:00 am PST for all three weekends.
The remaining day-use entrance reservations will open 2 days before the date. So, for a reservation on February 8th, reservations become available at 8:00 am PST on February 6th.
Entrance Fees
Day-use reservations cost $2. When you arrive at the park entrance you will pay the park entrance fee of $35 (credit card only), valid for 7 days, or show your American the Beautiful or Lifetime Pass that covers park entrance fees.
Alternatives to Yosemite Firefall Day-Use Reservation
If you can’t secure a day-use reservation there are a few options around it. You do not need a reservation if you:
- Have a campground reservation in the park.
- Have a lodging reservation in the park.
- Have purchased a full-day lift ticket or hold a current season pass for the Badger Pass ski area.
- If you join a commercial guided tour or take public transportation, such as Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) into the park.
What to Pack for Yosemite Firefall
February in Yosemite Valley usually presents winter weather. Snowstorms and a snow-covered Yosemite Valley are common throughout the month. Daytime temperatures average from freezing to slightly above freezing. Here are some packing essentials to keep you comfortable during the Yosemite Firefall event.
- Clothing layers. Layers are the best option when visiting Yosemite in February. Some warm base layers, an insulating fleece, and a puffy layer, topped with a waterproof shell are essential. And of course make sure you have a hat, gloves, and insulated waterproof shoes you’re comfortable walking in.
- Food and water. You’ll be hanging out in the viewing area for a while and you don’t want to end up hangry or dehydrated. Restaurants are open in the valley but snacks are always important!
- Headlamp or flashlight. After seeing the firefall darkness quickly settles over the valley. You’ll likely spend a couple of hours getting back to your vehicle so it’s helpful to have some light. A headlamp with a redlight setting is ideal to not impair other’s night vision.
- Foldable camp chair. Claim your spot early for the best chance to see the Firefall. You’ll want something comfortable to sit on and enjoy.
- Camera suitable for low-light photography. A telephoto lens, tripod, and camera remote will help you get the best shot. Many phones have specific modes for low light photography. Check these out in advance to make the most of the moment!
Yosemite Firefall Camping Options
The best way to enjoy your Escape Camper Vans Yosemite Firefall trip is by camping! There are camping options inside the national park and outside the park off Highway 120 and 140.
Yosemite National Park Campgrounds
If you’re lucky enough to snag a Yosemite National Park campground reservation, you don’t need an additional entrance reservation!
There are 4 year-round campgrounds in the park. The Upper Pines Campground requires reservations year-round. The additional three campgrounds, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona Campground, are usually first-come, first-served. During the busy February weekends campground reservations are required. Sites will be released on December 15 at 7:00 am PST.
Upper Pines Campground
Upper Pines Campground is located right in Yosemite Valley underneath Half Dome, a short walk from Curry Village. It is open year-round by reservation only. Campsite reservations are available up to five months in advance.
Camp 4
Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near the base of Yosemite Falls. It’s the closest campground to the Yosemite Firefall viewing area. Camp 4 is a basic campground. Unlike the other park campgrounds, you must walk into your campsite. You cannot park next to your picnic table at Camp 4.
Hodgdon Meadow
Hodgdon Meadow Campground is about a 45-minute drive from Yosemite Valley off Highway 120 at the northwest park entrance. Usually first-come, first-served, reservations are required during the Yosemite Firefall weekends.
Wawona Campground
Wawona Campground is located off Highway 41 in the southwestern part of the park, not far from Mariposa Grove, the largest Sequoia grove in Yosemite. It’s a year-round campground that will require reservations during the Yosemite Firefall weekends. The drive from Wawona Campground to Yosemite Valley is about 45 minutes.
Campgrounds outside Yosemite
If you’re unable to snag a campsite in the park, don’t worry there are a few campgrounds open off Highways 120 and 140 near the park.
*Reminder: If you do not have a campground reservation in the park you will still need a park entrance reservation during the busy Yosemite Firefall weekends.
McCabe Flat Campground
McCabe Flat Campground is a Bureau Of Land Management (BLM) campground near Midpines, California along the Merced River. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Yosemite Valley. It’s a small campground with 11 walk-in and three-vehicle sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Willow Placer Campground
Willow Placer Campground is another BLM Campground alongside the Merced River about 50 minutes from the valley. It has 7 walk-in tent sites available year-round, first-come, first-served.
Tips for Visiting During the Yosemite Firefall
- Get a reservation early. Reservations are snagged up almost immediately. Make your recreation.gov account in advance to increase your chance of snagging a reservation. If you don’t get an initial reservation check online regularly. Canceled reservations are open to the public immediately. Each vehicle only requires one reservation. The reservation holder must be present in the vehicle with their photo ID.
- Or even better, visit during a weekday. You do not need a reservation to enter the park to see the Yosemite Firefall from Monday to Friday except for Presidents Day, Monday, February 17. To avoid bigger crowds and reservations, weekdays are the best option.
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- Travel with a flexible schedule. To optimize your chance of seeing the Yosemite Firefall it’s best to spend a few days in the park. Watch the weather forecast and check the Yosemite Webcams to maximize your chance of visiting under the right conditions.
- Park your car early. Plan to park your car when you arrive and leave it for the day. Plan to walk or take the free park shuttle. Otherwise, as the day goes on you risk not finding a decent parking spot and missing the Firefall!
- Claim your spot at El Capitan Picnic Area Early. Thousands of people try to view the Yosemite Firefall each day. Claim your spot early, especially if you’re hoping to set a tripod up at the best angle.
- Bring food, water, and layers. You’ll spend hours hanging out near Horsetail Fall. Staying warm, hydrated, and well-fed is important!
- Pack tire chains. You are required to carry tire chains when visiting Yosemite National Park from November through March. Buy or rent them before you enter the park. Practice putting chains on in a dry area or expect to pay someone to put them on if the park requires them during snowy conditions. Up-to-date road and weather conditions are posted online.
- Follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. Thousands of people flock to the area to enjoy the site of the Yosemite Firefall. This of course increases the risk of environmental damage in the park. Stay on flat durable surfaces while walking around. Don’t walk into grassy meadows. Pack out all of your trash, including food scraps. Respect wildlife. Don’t feed any animals and give them their space. Be respectful of other visitors.
Reserve an Escape Camper Van to Visit the Yosemite Firefall in 2025
Renting an Escape Camper Van is the perfect way to enjoy a Yosemite Firefall road trip this 2025! You can pick up your campervan at the San Francisco location, just a four-hour drive from Yosemite National Park!
Not only will your camping experience be far more comfortable and warmer than sleeping in a tent but you’ll save money on a hotel. A camper van also allows a more flexible schedule to visit the Yosemite Firefall during optimal weather conditions!