Are YOU ready for Yosemite Firefall 2025? Every year thousands of visitors flock to Yosemite valley to witness this magical event. However, braving the crowds and the cold is not for everyone. Those who plan ahead and arrive with a solid game plan will have a much better time than those who wing it. Before you book this trip you'll want to be sure you're well-prepared for the adventure. This article will walk you through everything you need to ensure you enjoy this incredible experience without ending up freezing and frustrated. Ready to dive in? The Birth of the Original Firefall Originally the Firefall was manmade. Attributed to an Irish immigrant named James McCauley. After opening the Glacier Point Hotel in 1873 McCauley found a unique way to entertain his guests. He would build fires at the edge of the cliff and push the glowing embers over the edge, creating a spectacle that attracted thousands. This much-anticipated event became known as the Firefall, and it continued annually until the park service shut it down in 1968. As luck would have it, a new natural Firefall was discovered just five years later when famous adventure photographer/mountaineer Galen Rowell saw the sun hit Horsetail Fall, lighting up the cascade and spilling down the granite face in a fiery orange glow.  A photo of the original Firefall at Glacier Point Just the Right Conditions  The new Yosemite Firefall is such a unique event because it only lasts a few minutes and requires specific conditions to be seen. First, the sunlight must hit the waterfall at the right angle to create an orange glow that looks like lava. This typically happens sometime in late February. If it's a cold winter and the waterfall freezes, you won't see the effect, only an alpenglow hue on El Capitan. A snowstorm in the forecast means you're unlikely to see it and a cloudy sky decreases your chances. But clouds can clear at the last minute so it may be worth your while to make the trek anyway.  The Yosemite Firefall Season The only period when all conditions can come together to create the Yosemite Firefall is in February, with the exact dates changing every year. The National Park Service has estimated the Yosemite Firefall 2025 dates, reporting that optimal chances will occur sometime between February 8 and 23 in 2025. The angle of the light at sunset must strike perfectly, which can only happen during that window. If you're already planning a visit to Yosemite in February, attempting to witness it is a must. But, if you're thinking about traveling specifically to see it, it's important to know that it's not a guarantee. It's important to go in with the right mindset. You'll want to go knowing that no matter what happens you can still enjoy the spectacular beauty of Yosemite in winter. Yosemite Firefall 2025 viewing area and restrictions The Firefall Flow & Location The Firefall event occurs at Horsetail Fall which is a seasonal waterfall that flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. You'll want to arrive early to find parking near the El Capitan Picnic Area. Spots will fill up early and you may find yourself needing to walk a mile or more once it's full. The waterfall will only be flowing during the late winter and early spring, fed by snowmelt and precipitation. Compared to many of the large waterfalls in Yosemite, Horsetail Fall is more much more thin - in fact, the limited flow combined with the sunlight requirements in February is what creates the unique conditions for the glowing "lava" effect. If there isn't adequate precipitation or snowmelt, Horsetail may dry up eliminating the possibility of viewing for the season. Firefall Timing In addition to visiting during the February window, you'll have to consider the specific timing of the event which begins close to sunset. The golden hues start to be revealed roughly 35 minutes before the sun goes down. The peak of the vibrant red and orange colors emerge during the 10 to 15 minutes leading to the sunset although the timing can vary a bit depending on atmospheric conditions and the specific date. Typically, sunset in Yosemite National Park occurs between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. in mid-February. You can check the exact February 2025 sunset times here . The Best Vantage Points for Viewing A clear vantage point of Horsetail Fall is required to view the Yosemite Firefall. Some of the most accessible and popular spots for viewing include: El Capitan Picnic Area.  You'll enjoy a direct view of Horsetail Fall from the El Capitan Area, which is one of the most popular locations for witnessing the Yosemite Firefall. You'll have to arrive early as the parking spaces fill quickly and plan on a short trek (detailed below). Four-MIle Trail  and Taft Point. Adventurers might want to head to a higher vantage point, which will require a hike and possibly snowshoes depending on the conditions. From here you'll have a breathtaking view of the valley and Horsetail Fall.  Cathedral Beach Picnic Area . This is also a good spot for viewing though you'll need to check accessibility first as some areas often close for conservation efforts during the season. El Cap Meadow . You'll get a spectacular perspective of Horsetail Fall and El Capitan from here that's especially ideal for capturing photos.  Keep in mind that the National Park Service enacts special regulations during the Firefall event, making it essential to check the latest updates on the official site  in regard to parking restrictions and closures. A Short Hike During Firefall season, parking, stopping, and unloading passengers is prohibited between Camp 4 and El Capitan. However, people with a disability placard can park in the El Capitan picnic area and in turnouts on the north side of Northside Drive. The walk to the Firefall viewing areas is relatively short and easy but you'll want to be prepared. From the main parking lots, including those near the popular El Capitan Picnic Area, it's a roughly 1.5-mile trek depending on your specific location, taking around 30 to 40 minutes each way. While the paths are generally flat, in February they can be muddy or icy, requiring appropriate footwear for the weather.  Be sure to wear a headlamp or carry a flashlight for the return trek after the sun goes down. It's a good idea to allow for extra time in case of more difficult conditions as well as to navigate the crowds and find a good spot for viewing and photos. Firefall from the El Capitan picnic area Reservations Required Reservations are required for viewing the Yosemite Firefall in 2025, which can be booked via Recreation.gov  or on the official National Park Service website . A reservation system has been put into place for specific dates in February, with reservations mandatory to enter on the following weekends: February 8-9 February 15-17 February 22-23 This applies whether or not you plan to attend the Yosemite Firefall event. If you arrive on a weekday, other than February 17 (Presidents Day), you won't need a reservation. Half of the available reservations were opened online on November 18, 2024, however, the remaining day-use reservations will open two days before the date so it is still possible to secure them. For example, if you want to visit on February 8, reservations will be available at 8 a.m. (PST) on February 6, 2025. If you're unable to obtain a day-use reservation, there are other options available. Reservations are not required if you have a reservation for lodging or a campsite in the park. If you hold a current season pass or purchased a full-day lift ticket for the Badger Pass ski area, you won't need a reservation either. Taking the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System  (YARTS) to enter the park avoids the necessity of making reservations. Fees There is a car entrance fee of $35 that will be valid for entry for seven days, paid when you arrive by credit card only. If you have an American the Beautiful or a Lifetime Pass , either will cover the entrance fee. Day-use reservations come at a cost of $2.  Parking  I can't reiterate enough - parking always fills up quickly in Yosemite Valley. That makes it critical to arrive early. You can park your car and enjoy the day exploring until it's time to catch the Yosemite Firefall. If the parking near Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Falls Trailhead is full, you can park at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and ride the Yosemite Valley Shuttle  to the El Cap viewing area. Weather As we've discussed, the Yosemite Firefall is dependent on the weather conditions which means it's impossible to guarantee that the phenomenon will take place in 2025. The sky must be clear and there needs to be plenty of water flowing over the rocks which can be hindered if the winter is especially dry. While La Nina conditions are anticipated this winter, meaning a drier-than-average season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  has predicted that California has equal chances of below-average, near, or even above-average total precipitation.  Of course, you'll also want to consider the weather when it comes to what to pack and wear. Not only will you need the appropriate footwear for potentially muddy or icy trails, but you'll also want to prepare for the cold temperatures. Wearing layers is always a good idea. Tips for Visiting Yosemite During Firefall Season To ensure the best possible viewing experience: Secure a reservation early.  Although the initial reservations for 2025 were already released, check online regularly. Canceled reservations will open up immediately. Your other option is to secure a reservation two days ahead of your planned visit date as detailed earlier. Keep in mind that the reservation holder must be present and show a photo ID. Each vehicle requires one reservation - you don't need one for every person in the car.  Consider a weekday visit. There are no reservations needed to enter the park on a weekday, Monday through Friday, other than on Monday, February 17, Presidents Day. You'll be able to avoid the biggest crowds as well.  Be flexible. To optimize the chances of viewing the Yosemite Firefall, plan to spend a few days in the park. Keep an eye on the forecast and regularly check the park webcams  to increase the odds of a visit during the right conditions. Remember the intensity of the colors will depend on the angle of the sun and clear skies. Park early or take the shuttle.  Plan to park early and leave your vehicle for the day. Or, take the free park shuttle. If you don't heed this advice, the later in the day you try to park, the bigger your risk of not finding a parking spot and missing the Firefall.  Wear layers and bring food and water.  As you'll likely spend hours outside near Horsetail Fall, you'll need warm clothing in addition to staying hydrated and well-fed. Don't forget tire chains.  When visiting Yosemite between November and March you are required to carry tire chains . Buy them or rent them before entering. If you've never used them before it's best to practice putting them on in a dry area first. If the park experiences snowy conditions and you can't get the chains on, you can pay someone to do it for you. Have patience. As a natural phenomenon, there is no control when it comes to whether the brilliant "Firefall" effect will occur or not. Consider yourself lucky if you get to witness it. The show will build gradually, peaking just before the sun dips below the horizon. Remember, you can witness the Firefall only if: The sky is clear enough to allow the sunlight to shine through The sun is at the correct angle at sunset The waterfall has the right amount of water Common Mistakes to Avoid The biggest mistake you can make is heading to Yosemite without a plan. Some people are under the impression that winter in the park is a slow period requiring little preparation other than the appropriate cold-weather clothing. That is not the case in February due to the Yosemite Firefall event. Secure any necessary reservations, and don't expect to arrive at the last minute and find a space to park. Get there at least a few hours ahead to secure a good spot. Go with an adventurous and flexible attitude and you might just find yourself checking off the ultimate bucket list experience.  By following our Yosemite Firefall 2025 guide, you can avoid mistakes and enjoy the best possible chance of viewing. You'll find a wealth of other guides, tips, and resources on our website , including the hiking tours led by expert naturalists that can be booked from spring 2025 on.  Be sure to leave your own personal Firefall experience below in the comments! Resources https://www.yosemite.com/yosemite-mariposa-stories/hello-glacier-point-the-original-yosemite-firefall/ https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm# https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/@5410952?month=2&year=2025 https://www.nps.gov/places/000/el-capitan-picnic-area.htm https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fourmiletrail.htm https://home.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm Recreation.gov