Don't miss out on witnessing Fire Falls in Yosemite this year! Act fast if you're planning a trip in 2021, as reservations are an absolute must due to the ongoing pandemic and soaring popularity of this event.
With seats booking up at an alarming rate, securing a spot is a top priority to experience this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. You can reserve your spot by clicking to book online.
Beginning February 8th, reservations are a must to enter Yosemite's popular park. According to the National Park Service, a unique occurrence takes place at Horsetail Falls, located along the eastern side of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley.
During certain days in mid to late February, Fire Falls glows magically and fervently in a captivating, mesmerizing orange hue at dusk, thanks to the sun's rays and the waterfall's flow. The projected dates for 2021 include February 13th through 25th.
This magical light show occurs only after sunset when the sky is clear, the waterflow is steady, and there's no cloud cover to disrupt the effect. Even minor cloudiness or fog can spoil the intriguing effect. Mother Nature is unpredictable!
The hike from the nearest parking lot to the viewpoint in the El Capitan Picnic area is approximately 1.5 miles.
Additional Insights:
For those planning to visit Yosemite in February 2025, here are some tips to secure a viewing reservation:
- Check Reservation Requirements:
- Reservations are needed for anyone entering Yosemite on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and federal holidays (including Presidents' Day on February 17) between February 8 and February 23, 2025[1][2][3].
- Make a Reservation:
- Day-use reservations can be made via Recreation.gov. Book quickly at 8 AM Pacific Time on the day of your visit[3].
- Half of the reservations become available on November 18 for the weekends of February 8-9, 15-17, and 22-23. The remaining reservations become available two days before the visit date at 8 AM Pacific Time[3].
- Plan Your Visit:
- There's no need for a reservation if you visit on a weekday (Monday through Friday)[3].
- If you have a reservation, your entrance fee is valid for seven consecutive days from the payment date or the reservation date[3].
- Additional Restrictions:
- El Capitan Crossover and Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley will be closed to pedestrians during the peak viewing period, and stopping and parking will be prohibited[2].
- Visitors will be able to gather to view the falls exclusively in the El Capitan Picnic area on Northside Drive, where one lane will be closed to vehicles for pedestrian safety[2].
- Alternative Options:
- Guests booking a room at Rush Creek Lodge or Evergreen Lodge can use their Firefall Express shuttle service, which doesn't require a separate Firefall reservation, but guests must pay the park entrance fee separately[2].
- Camping Reservations:
- Campsite reservations are required for Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona Campgrounds from February 8 through February 23, 2025, available on Recreation.gov starting December 15 at 7 AM Pacific Time[3].
Following these steps will help secure your reservation and plan your visit to witness the Firefall spectacle in Yosemite during February 2025.
