Every year from mid- to late February, the setting sun hits Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall along the eastern edge of the soaring El Capitan at just the right angle, creating the illusion that the 1,575-foot waterfall is on fire. This Yosemite National Park phenomenon, aka “firefall,” is ultra-popular, and this year is expected to be even more crowded.
For the first time since 2021, park reservations are not required to visit Yosemite during firefall. The past 12 months have been tumultuous for the National Park Service, with a 43-day government shutdown, changing free-entry days, and price increases. Now, its rangers will have to contend with crowd control as thousands of visitors angle for a view of Horsetail Fall. Yosemite National Park Superintendent Ray McPadden told local newspaper the Mariposa Gazette that “a bunch of boots on the ground is going to be our principal strategy,” noting that additional personnel will help with traffic buildup and bottlenecks and encouraging visitors to carpool.
The NPS usually gives estimated dates for the firefall, but this year has said only “mid- to late-February.” In 2025, firefall took place February 8–23; in 2026, firefall is expected to occur February 11–26, according to forecasts from photographer Aaron Meyers, who has shot the event many times and releases annual recommendations for photographers hoping to catch the falls at their most brilliant.
The original Yosemite firefall
This firefall illusion has become more and more popular in recent years, but there used to be another version made of actual fire. Up until 1968, the remains of campfires would be pushed over the edge of Glacier Point in Yosemite on a nightly basis, creating a stream of embers that eventually became known as “the firefall.” (You can see video footage of the event from the 1960s.)
The practice started in the 1870s back when the owner of the now-gone Glacier Point Hotel would kick embers from the lodge’s campfire over the edge each night. The event became so popular to watch that it continued into the 20th century. After the National Park Service was created in 1916 and Yosemite fell under its protection, the NPS tried to stop the firefall several times, but it wasn’t fully outlawed for fire safety concerns until nearly 50 years later.
It was after the original firefall was banned that the natural version was discovered. In the early 1970s the wilderness photographer Galen Rowell captured the firefall-like illusion off the eastern edge of El Capitan and shared his photos. The phenomenon has continued to attract increasing attention and visitors in the years since.
When the Yosemite firefall will occur in 2026
For Yosemite firefall to be visible, conditions have to be nearly perfect: clear skies so that the sun can hit the waterfall and enough melted snow for the waterfall to flow. Yosemite was blanketed in snow in December, and as of January 14, the NPS has measured 36 inches of settled snow and two inches of new snow at Tuolumne Meadows. Given that the high on January 21 was 41 degrees, there’s a good chance of the temperatures rising high enough to melt the snowpack and produce enough water for the fall to flow.
Meyers pinpoints Friday, February 21, 2026, between 5:27 p.m. and 5:39 p.m. as the absolute best time to see Yosemite’s firefall. Generally, the phenomenon appears just before sunset on clear days, right as the sun hits the waterfall at a particular angle. The best days overall will be February 18–23, 2026.
If you want to learn how to take professional photos of firefall—or just enjoy someone else handling the logistics—photographer Jeff Pfaller is running a four-day small-group trip February 22–26, 2026, and there are two spots left. The itinerary includes two nights at a hotel near the airport and two at Yosemite View Lodge, all meals, guided hikes, and photography and editing tutorials.
How to plan a trip to Yosemite to see the firefall
In 2026, reservations are not required to visit Yosemite National Park during the firefall. However, there are vehicle and pedestrian rules in place to try and control the crowds (which can pose a risk to the environment around the falls). In February 2026, Southside Drive from El Capitan Crossover to Swinging Bridge will be completely closed.
Likewise, visitors will only be able to gather to view the falls in the El Capitan picnic area on Northside Drive. One lane will be closed to vehicles, allowing pedestrians to safely walk 1.5 miles each way from the Yosemite Falls parking lot (near the Yosemite Valley Lodge) to the viewpoint.
The other lane is open to cars but no stopping, parking, or unloading is permitted. Visitors should leave their cars in the parking area and take a free shuttle the five to six miles from Yosemite Village or Curry Village to the parking area, from where it’s a 1.5-mile walk to the viewpoint.
Winter is an appealing time to visit Yosemite, as long as you have proper gear. Be sure to wear layers of warm clothing, boots, hats, and gloves, and pack water, snacks, and and a flashlight or headlamp, as it will be dark by the time you leave the viewing point. Average daytime temperatures in February range between 28 and 53 degrees.
Rush Creek Lodge & Spa and sister property Evergreen Lodge, both located near Yosemite National Park’s western entrance, are offering a Firefall Express shuttle to witness the phenomenon, with chairs and blankets provided on-site. This is available both to hotel guests, including those at sister hotel Firefall Ranch, and outside visitors. The trip lasts from 2–8 p.m., departing from Rush Creek Lodge on February 7–8, 14–15, and 21–22 and from Evergreen Lodge on February 14–15 and 21–22. The shuttle service is priced at $120 per adult, and $90 per child (ages 8–15); this does not include the park’s $20 pedestrian entrance fee.
To camp, you’re going to have to plan ahead. A number of campgrounds require advance reservations during the upcoming firefall season. If you plan on staying at Camp 4, Wawona, or Hodgdon Campgrounds, head to recreation.gov to reserve your spot. If you do manage to grab one of the campground reservations, you won’t need to make an additional reservation to see the firefall.