Visiting Yosemite is always a good time, but the next few weeks will be an especially good time to travel to this popular city. National Parks in California.
Reason? Yosemite’s annual”fire waterfall” — an eye-catching optical illusion that, when certain conditions are in perfect sync, makes Horsetail Fall appear to be on fire.
The National Park Service estimates that your chance of seeing the light is between February 10 and 27 this year, as the angle of the light at dusk must be perfect, which only happens between to the end of February.
The weather must be very clear and there should be plenty of water flowing over the rocks, which is unlikely in particularly dry weather. winter.
If this alignment occurs, the waterfall will turn into a river of fire.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that the eruption will happen this year, like most weather-related events. However, this is based on NPS best prediction.
As you can imagine, this event draws many visitors to a small area, resulting in traffic, parking and other safety issues while disrupting natural resources. and culture.
To do so, Yosemite will require reservations for entry 24 hours a day, February 10-12, February 17-19 and February 24-26. Reservations are also required at the Site. camp at Camps 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow during February because these campsites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made Online.
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If you are lucky enough to get in Yosemite When the fire happens, El Capitan Picnic Area is the best choice for you to have a nice view. It’s about a 1 1/2 mile walk each way from the Yosemite Falls parking lot. If that parking lot is full, consider parking at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and take advantage of the park’s free shuttle to the parking lot at Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Additionally, an express shuttle will operate between Yosemite Village and the Yosemite Falls/Yosemite Valley Lodge parking lot, according to the NPS, which says patrons should “park away from your viewing area” and “be prepared to go.” walk to and from the viewing area” in the cold and darkness.
No matter where you park, be sure to bring comfortable sneakers or hiking boots, Camera and maybe even a chair. You will also need a lot of patience to withstand that crowd.
Fire or no fire, you can never go wrong with a trip to Yosemite or any of the stunning national parks around the country. Summer will come before you know it, and it’s the best time to visit the park (or parks!) that you already have on your to-do list.
Be sure to check out ours comprehensive guide to the hotels near the national park, you can book by points.
Additional reporting by Caroline Tanner.
