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Firefall at Yosemite: You’ll need reservations for February 2023
(News84Media) — One of social media’s most fiery darlings is set to make another sensation in the coming weeks.
It’s a spectacular, orange-tinged nature show called “Firefall.”
For the 2023 season, the first one is coming up this February. (A possible second one occurs in fall.)
It’s a small waterfall, and it normally flows only during winter. But given the amount of precipitation California has received this winter from a series of waterlogged storms rolling off the Pacific Ocean, chances should be good for a great show.
Reservations required this year
Last year, no reservations were required. But you’ll need them this time out for certain dates to enter the park. They are:
• February 10-12
• February 17-19
• February 24-26
Here’s a stunning Instagram shot from February 2019.
magicphoto78/Instagram
• Bring warm clothes and a headlamp or flashlight for each person in your party.
• Remember, this is winter in the Sierra Nevadas. Snowy and icy conditions are the norm — especially this winter.
• Have warm footwear and bring traction devices for your boots.
• Be ready to walk to and from the viewing area. It’s a long walk, and it will be cold and dark when walking back to your vehicle.
• Stay out of burnt areas.
Show is not guaranteed
Yosemite says the dazzling effect happens only on evenings approaching dusk with a clear sky when the waterfall is flowing. Even some haze or a bit of cloudiness can ruin the effect. Mother Nature makes no promises.
Horsetail Fall is about a one and a half mile walk each way from the closest parking lot to the viewpoint near the El Capitan Picnic area.
Top image: “Firefall” is seen at Yosemite National Park on February 23, 2022. (Photo by Liao Pan/China News Service via Getty Images)
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