Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan normally has a unique experience during the last two weeks of February known as the Firefalls. Unfortunately, 2020 did not have this occurrence due to the water source of the Horsetail Falls being dried up.
What causes the Yosemite Firefalls
For about 10 minutes at sunset in late February, the sun is at the perfect angle to create a blazing effect on Horsetail Falls. This natural phenomenon is not always present and depends on the water source being present. With the low amount of rain California received this year, the snowpack was not large enough to allow the Firefalls to form.
Best Places to View the Yosemite Firefalls
When the Firefalls are occurring, there are a number of places in Yosemite to see them. Our recommendation is to arrive by noon and park at Yosemite Falls. Walk the 1.5 miles to the El Capitan Picnic Area, have a picnic lunch, and claim a spot to view the Firefalls when they become visible around 5pm as the sun sets.
Due to the large crowds form previous years, the National Park Service has made a few changes to areas that will are open to photographers. In past years, the Southside Drive / El Capitan Crossover and Sentinel Beach were available parking spots. For 2020, the National Park Service only designated the El Capitan Picnic Area for parking and this is likely to be the case for 2021 as well.