waterfall that looks like its on fire

[Tim2121]

Any information about the waterfall in Yosemite Valley that looks like its on fire in the last two weeks of February? When is the best time of day and month to see it when the sun hits it just right that it looks like its on fire?

[only1alphafemale]

....I think what you may be referring to here is the "firefall"~

I dont know if they still do this, but when I was a child I watched the firefall...but thats what it really was. A large fire was stared atop of Glacier Point? ( I think thats where it was ~ but its been 40 years...lol...) and then
the "fire" was pushed over the cliff! It was a beautiful sight to behold!!!!:D

You can probably check with park staff to find out where and if they still do this maybe?

[Tim2121]

Thanks but it is not that one. It is the one that only looks like its on fire the last two weeks of February when the sun hits it at a certain time. I think it is close to El Capitan and I think it is at about sunset when it looks like its on fire but not sure.

[only1alphafemale]

Thanks but it is not that one. It is the one that only looks like its on fire the last two weeks of February when the sun hits it at a certain time. I think it is close to El Capitan and I think it is at about sunset when it looks like its on fire but not sure.

Wow! I havent heard of that one, I would really be interested in knowing about it too~ It would be great to see .....:) I hope someone can post something about it here ... :D

[Yosemite Joy]

Oh my good grief! I found a website!!

http://www.shutterbug.net/techniques/outdoor_travel/1206locations/

The next ingredient you need for the firefall is water. The source of water comes from Horsetail Falls, a small waterfall atop El Capitan. The water basin that drains into Horsetail Falls is around 30 acres. The elevation at the top is 7569 ft. It is cold up there in February. It gets cold enough to freeze any snow or rain into a solid piece of ice. California also has dry years when waterfalls barely run. No water means no waterfall, and no firefall. Like I said, timing is everything, and this can be a rare sight.

Picture Spot
The best location to view the firefall is slightly east of El Capitan near the base of the mountain. You need to be east of Horsetail Falls as the sun sets in the West. Sunlight shining through the waterfall creates the most brilliant colors. There is a small meadow that provides an opening in the forest at a perfect angle. The spot is in between Yosemite Lodge and El Capitan. Photographers gather in a large herd at the end of February. The easiest way to find that meadow is to look for a lot of cars parked along Northside Drive for no apparent reason. You have gone too far if you get to the large parking area directly in front of El Capitan.

[only1alphafemale]

Wow ! You Rock YJ~!!! Thanks !!!!! :D

[Kahlua Kid]

The falls are on the cover of the 2008 Yosemite Sierra Visitor's Guide this year - can view the guide online at : http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/flipbook_08/flipbook08.html

[only1alphafemale]

The falls are on the cover of the 2008 Yosemite Sierra Visitor's Guide this year - can view the guide online at : http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/flipbook_08/flipbook08.html


Thanks for the link kahlua, but it wouldnt show me anything !!! Drats ~!
( Not sure if its because of the windows vista ultimate I'm running or not??)

Anyway, I was able to see some great pics of it at the website that YJ posted earlier. They were gorgeous pics !!

[Tim2121]

Thank you for the good information.

[Kahlua Kid]

Hmmm - try: http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/visitguide.html

[only1alphafemale]

Hmmm - try: http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/visitguide.html

Thanks, that worked. I was able to see the cover pictured on this page, however I had the same results as before when I clicked on the cover and was redirected to the same page that , didnt work for me before..... Its a very nice picture on the cover ! :) Thanks again ~!