Horsetail Fall Turns to Lava

Yosemite National Park has a number of famous waterfalls -- Yosemite Fall, Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Fall, and Sentinel Falls, just to name a few. But Yosemite has another kind of waterfall that only shows itself for a short window in February: the Yosemite firefall. The vast majority of the time, Horsetail Fall looks a lot like the other Yosemite waterfalls that the park is known for. But for a few minutes at dusk in the middle of February, Horsetail Fall catches the sunlight in such a way that the whole waterfall glows red, gold, or deep orange, taking on the appearance of lava. Hardly any other waterfall in the world shares this unique phenomenon which is the result of physics, astronomy, and luck. The sight is made even more regal by Horsetail's immense length. The waterfall has a drop of 1,500 feet before it hits granite, then falls another 500 feet. It's the longest free-falling waterfall in the park. Photographers rush to Yosemite every year for the chance to see Horsetail Fall turn to fire. The sky has to be clear, the waterfall must still be flowing, and the sun has to be positioned perfectly in the sky for the phenomenon to occur. When it does happen, the Yosemite firefall only lasts for a few minutes, but that's long enough to capture some amazing pictures of a waterfall lit unlike any other. Photography tours led by the Ansel Adams Gallery are the perfect way for novice photographers to find the best spot to capture this beautiful event. Many photographers gather at the El Capitan picnic area to try and get the best view. If you're not quite sure where to go, just look for the sea of tripods. In addition to Horsetail, which falls along the eastern summit of El Capitan, Yosemite's other waterfalls are nothing to scoff at. Yosemite waterfalls flow most fully in the spring and tend to dry out by early summer. Check with the National Park Service to find out when the best time to see Yosemite waterfalls will be -- rainfall and snowmelt are different from year to year. Enjoy the Firefall and Yosemite Lodging in Close Proximity When you come to Yosemite National Park to get a glimpse of Horsetail flowing like lava, reserve your Yosemite lodging through Scenic Wonders. We offer cabin, condominium, and home rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park at affordable prices. Whether you're traveling with your family, your loved one, or a large group of friends, we can help you choose a vacation home that will be perfect for your vacation and your budget. Enjoy the comfort of home-cooked meals prepared in your very own kitchen and the joy of family time in an inviting living room. With our rentals, you'll always have enough beds to go around, and you'll get the joy of being surrounded by the beauty of the park. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) today to learn about Scenic Wonders or make your Yosemite lodging reservations online now. Yosemite Blog Our Yosemite  blog is constantly updated with the latest news, information, and resources.  Be sure to check back soon for the latest scoop!