Yosemite's Fire Falls will be visible again in February: How to watch the phenomenon in 2026

Thanks to California's wet winter, the likelihood of Fire Falls appearing in Yosemite in 2026 is quite high. Yosemite National Park's famous natural phenomenon, Fire Falls, will be visible soon. Here's how to witness this spectacle: Only in your state.

The Fire Falls can usually be seen from mid- to late February at sunset, when the orange light of the sun illuminates the streams of water, creating the illusion of molten lava flowing down the cliff. This unique phenomenon truly must be seen to be believed.

Where exactly does Fire Falls appear in Yosemite?

Horsetail Falls is located on the east side of El Capitan. It's a seasonal waterfall, typically only active in winter and early spring. However, given the heavy rainfall that fell in California this winter due to a series of powerful storms—so-called atmospheric rivers—coming from the Pacific Ocean, the 2026 firefall promises to be especially spectacular.

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Watching water cascade over El Capitan in two 450-meter-high cascades is always captivating. But in some years, for a very short period of time, the spectacle becomes truly fantastic.

What Causes Fire Falls in Yosemite?

Fire Falls occurs in years when Horsetail is at its highest, and the setting February sun illuminates the falls with a fiery orange glow.

At such moments, it truly does look like a stream of fire. However, witnessing this natural phenomenon with one's own eyes can be difficult.

Is it possible to see the Fire Falls every year?

It's only visible on a few February evenings, when the sky is completely clear of clouds and fog and the waterfall continues to flow. Unfortunately, such conditions don't occur every year. If all the factors coincide perfectly, the fiery waterfall appears—but only for 5-15 minutes, so keep your camera ready.

When can you see Fire Falls in Yosemite?

The exact dates vary from year to year. In 2026, the fire falls can be expected on clear evenings from February 15 to 26, 2026. Peak viewing times, weather permitting, will be from February 19 to 23, 2026.

What you need to know before visiting Fire Falls

In some years, advance reservations are required to visit Yosemite National Park during Firefall. However, in 2026, due to a shortage of rangers and National Park Service staff, reservations will no longer be required. However, upon arrival, you will be required to park only in designated areas. Detailed information can be found on the Yosemite National Park Service website.

Some additional tips for viewing Fire Falls this year

Arrive early: parking fills up quickly, as do the best viewpoints, especially if you want to take photos. Be prepared to walk to and from the viewpoint. The walk back to the car can seem long (about two kilometers each way), especially in the cold and dark. Be sure to check the Yosemite website for road closures the day before and the day of your arrival, as the weather in this region of California changes quickly and unpredictably.

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Fire Falls in Yosemite is definitely worth adding to your must-see list.

Once you're there, be sure to take the time to explore the park itself and make the most of your stay in Northern California's amazing Yosemite National Park.

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