Target Near Extended Stay Fashion Valley Ca

Embers pour over a cliff (left) while a waterfall is illuminated by sunset color (right) — Firefall over Glacier Indicate (left) and Horsetail Fall illuminated by sunset (right).
Firefall photograph (left) courtesy of the Yosemite Archives. Horsetail Fall photo (right) by Christine Fey.

Horsetail Autumn flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. This small waterfall usually flows only during winter and is easy to miss. On rare occasions during mid- to late Feb, it can glow orange when it's backlit past sunset. This unique lighting effect happens only on evenings with a clear sky when the waterfall is flowing. Even some haze or pocket-sized cloudiness can greatly diminish or eliminate the effect. Although entirely natural, the phenomenon is reminiscent of the human-caused Firefall that historically occurred from Glacier Point.

Viewing Horsetail Fall in Late February

Due to the popularity of the event, restrictions are in effect during mid- to tardily Feb each year daily from noon to 7 pm. The tentative dates for 2022 are February ten through 28. Wearing a mask is required. Reservations are not required.

To view Horsetail Fall, park at Yosemite Falls parking (just west of Yosemite Valley Social club) (P1) and walk 1.5 miles (each way) to the viewing area near El Capitan Picnic Surface area. If this parking is total, park at Yosemite Hamlet (P2) or Curry Village (P3) and use the gratis shuttle (which stops at both) to become to Yosemite Falls parking/Yosemite Valley Social club.

Vault toilets, along with trash and recycling dumpsters, are available at the picnic surface area. Northside Bulldoze will have one lane closed to vehicles so pedestrians can walk on the road between the viewing area and Yosemite Falls parking. Bring warm clothes and a headlamp or flashlight. Parking, stopping, or unloading passengers will exist prohibited between Camp 4 and El Capitan Crossover. Vehicles displaying a disability placard will be allowed to drive to El Capitan Picnic Surface area and park in turnouts on the due north side of Northside Bulldoze. On decorated weekends, Northside Drive may close completely for about a one-half hour immediately after dusk.

Southside Drive will be open to vehicles, only parking, stopping, and unloading passengers will be prohibited betwixt El Capitan Crossover to Swinging Span Picnic Surface area. Pedestrians will also be prohibited from traveling on or next to the route in this area. From Cathedral Beach Picnic Expanse to Lookout man Beach Picnic Surface area, the surface area betwixt the road and the Merced River (including the river) will likewise exist closed to all entry.

El Capitan Crossover (the route connecting Northside and Southside Drives near El Capitan) will be open to vehicles, but parking, stopping, and unloading passengers volition exist prohibited.

Map showing closed area between Southside Drive and Merced River from Cathedral Beach to Sentinel Beach — Park at P1 (Yosemite Falls), P2 (Yosemite Hamlet), P3 (Curry Village), or P4 (Trailhead Parking). Free shuttle service is available at P1, P2, and P3 (and virtually P4); stop D (at P1) is the closest shuttle cease to Horsetail Fall.

Why are these restrictions in consequence?

Historically, the sunset backlight on Horsetail Fall was little known. However, in recent years, visitation around this effect has increased dramatically. For example, on February 22, 2019, over 2,000 visitors viewing Horsetail Fall gathered in areas mostly defective adequate parking and other facilities. Visitors spilled onto riverbanks, increasing erosion and trampling vegetation. As riverbanks filled, visitors moved into the Merced River, trampling sensitive vegetation and exposing themselves to dangerous weather. Some undeveloped areas became littered with trash, and the lack of restrooms resulted in unsanitary conditions.