Yosemite Firefall: The Ultimate Valentine’s day trip for nature lovers
Every year, around the weekend after Valentine’s Day, nature puts up a spectacular show in Yosemite as if to wish a happy Valentine’s Day.
In the second half of February, the setting sun’s rays turn Horsetail Falls into a cascade of fiery gold, a sight that draws photographers and nature lovers from every corner of the globe. This magical event is popularly called the Fire fall.
If you search for “Firefall in Yosemite,” you’ll likely find a collection of stunningly edited photographs, showcasing a delicate sliver of waterfall glowing in the evening light. You might imagine the sun’s rays hitting only the falls, creating a magical spotlight. But in reality, the light illuminates a broader surface, surrounding the falls with a warm glow that forms a heart-shaped frame around the Firefall, creating a truly romantic and mesmerizing sight.
How long should you plan the trip for?
I highly recommend planning to visit Yosemite over at least two days. For the Firefall to work its magic, clear skies are a must, and checking the weather ahead of time is essential. On our trip, we didn’t catch the Firefall on the first day because of cloud cover, but we got lucky with clear skies on day two. Staying for two days gives you a better shot at experiencing the Firefall if the weather doesn’t cooperate on your first try.
Where to stay
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, check out Wildhaven Glamping in Mariposa. Their glamping tents offer a cozy, comfortable way to experience nature without sacrificing luxury. The property is beautiful, nestled in the heart of California’s wilderness, and it’s a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Plus, it’s just a one hour drive from Yosemite, so you’ll have easy access to all the sights, including the Firefall.
If you’re aiming for the ultimate convenience, consider staying at Curry Village inside Yosemite National Park. Being right in the park makes a huge difference when you’re chasing the Firefall. You’ll be closer to the action, which means less time spent driving and more time enjoying the sights. Staying in the park gives you the advantage of being able to catch the Firefall without worrying about parking or traffic. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself fully in the experience of Yosemite.
Best viewing spots
Finding the perfect angle to behold this enchanting spectacle is key. Here are a couple spots we scouted and watched it from.
El Capitan picnic area (link) is a popular spot where families watch the fire fall. The place has picnic benches, restrooms, and a shuttle stop. We also spent some time walking along the valley floor trail scouting for viewpoints and at last settled at a parking lot of sprawling photographers east of the picnic area. If you want to witness it away from the crowds, you can walk the Valley floor trail and find a spot to camp away from the people.
Viewing spots can become crowded, people camp out there from morning to get a good view of the fall. To get a good viewing spot, I’d recommend arriving at around 3:30pm at the viewing spot.
Permits and cost
Weekend plans? Don’t forget your permits, available for purchase at 8 am PST on recreation.gov just two days before your planned visit (as of 2024). These permits are in high demand, so make sure to buy them as soon as they are released!
Permits cost around $2 per vehicle (in 2024). Entry into the national park costs $35 if you do not have a national park pass. I’d highly recommend you buy an America the Beautiful national parks pass if you plan to visit at least a couple national parks over the year.
Other tips
Driving in snow. Carry chains if you are driving. There’s generally snow during this time in the national park and chains may be enforced in certain parts depending on the snow conditions.
Parking. Parking can be tricky, especially if you arrive later in the day. You might find yourself driving around in circles trying to snag a spot, and could even miss the Firefall entirely. Plus, leaving after the event can be a hassle with traffic backing up, and we saw quite a few people heading out early to beat the rush. However, I wouldn’t recommend leaving before sunset—you’re there for the Firefall, so make sure to stay and enjoy the full experience.
To make it easier, try finding a spot near the El Capitan viewing area. From there, it’s a short walk to the viewing spot, and you’ll be closer to the exit route when it’s time to leave, avoiding the congestion in the valley.
Shuttles. Shuttles get crowded at the end when everyone leaves. If you plan to take the shuttle back to your car after sunset, be prepared to wait a while before you can take a shuttle.
The Firefall at Yosemite National Park is nature’s mesmerizing show, offering moments of wonder and awe. Use these tips to plan your visit, but remember, the magic lies in nature’s timing. Prepare early, check the weather, secure permits, and most importantly, be patient for an unforgettable viewing experience.
