Hurry! There’s a unique natural phenomenon taking place right now that you don’t want to miss. Known as Yosemite’s “Firefall”, this is one sight you’ll be glad you made the effort to see for yourself. For just a few weeks out of the year, this one waterfall takes on an extraordinary appearance. Instead of water, the falls looks to be made of fire. It’s an incredible illusion that is bound to blow you away so keep reading to see how it’s even made possible.
It’s back! The stunning phenomenon, popularly known as the “Firefall” in Yosemite, has ignited once again. If you have yet to see this breathtaking sight for yourself, you’ll want to make this the year that you do.
Steve Corey/Flickr
Yosemite National Park is home to an abundance of waterfalls, but one of the most notable is Horsetail Fall. This amazing seasonal waterfall descends into two side-by-side streams, with one dropping 1,540 feet and the other dropping 1,570 feet. It’s a gorgeous sight from winter to spring, but especially during February when it makes a spectacular transformation…
Anita Ritenour/Flickr
Every February, Horsetail Fall turns into a “Firefall”. During this time, it appears that fire—not water— is flowing over the side of El Capitan. Of course, it isn’t actually fire, but a neat visual phenomenon that occurs when conditions are just right.
Kit Ng/Flickr
The firefall appears only if the sun illuminates the waterfall from just the right angle. Additionally, weather conditions need to be perfect and people need to be viewing the falls from a certain spot. However, if everything goes right, it’s an awe-inspiring sight you won’t soon forget.
OCYorkieMom/Flickr
The firefall effect happens during the second half of February. According to predictions, the best time to see the firefall this year is the evening of February 22. However, it’s expected to be visible through February 24. So, you better get on it!
Anita Ritenour/FLickr
Interestingly enough, this wasn’t always a completely natural event. Before the unique phenomenon was discovered, the park would create man-made firefalls by dropping piles of glowing coals off of the cliff side. It resulted in an effect reminiscent of the natural firefall, but it was discontinued in 1968 for obvious reasons.
OCYorkieMom/Flickr Don’t miss out on this incredible event! Make plans to head to Yosemite ASAP. While in the past, the National Park Service has used a reservation process to see the phenomenon, that is not the case for this year. The firefall is completely open to the public but visitors will have to be willing to hike to the fall’s overlook. Make plans and visit the park’s official website for more information.
Have you had the pleasure of viewing the “Firefall” in person? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! If you don’t think you’ll make it in time this year, don’t sweat it. Check out this list of 11 Amazing Natural Wonders In Northern California Hiding In Plain Sight, which you can view at any time.
Steve Corey/Flickr
Anita Ritenour/Flickr
Kit Ng/Flickr
OCYorkieMom/Flickr
Anita Ritenour/FLickr
Don’t miss out on this incredible event! Make plans to head to Yosemite ASAP. While in the past, the National Park Service has used a reservation process to see the phenomenon, that is not the case for this year. The firefall is completely open to the public but visitors will have to be willing to hike to the fall’s overlook. Make plans and visit the park’s official website for more information.
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