In recent years, a stunning sight in the depths of Yosemite National Park has grown rapidly in popularity. The “firefall” effect that occurs when Horsetail Fall is backlit by the sunset, creating what appears to be a flaming waterfall down the side of a mountain, is visible only in mid-to-late-February, leading to a sudden winter spark in crowds.
Sadly that growth in popularity has led to park damage as visitors crowd in areas lacking the necessary parking and other facilities. Riverbanks have seen increased erosion and vegetation damage as hopeful tourists spill onto the delicate landscape. Some areas have been littered with trash in the past, and unsanitary conditions have were created by a lack of restrooms. As a result, the park has put in some specific restrictions for the weekends ahead.
Yosemite will be requiring reservations to enter the park on February 8–9, 15–17, and 22–23. That requirement ranges all 24 hours of those days, but those who arrive and pay the entrance fee Mondays through Fridays (excluding Monday, February 17) will not need to make a reservation. While 50% of day-use reservations became available for all of the applicable weekends back on November 18, the remaining 50% will become available at 8am Pacific time two days prior to a day-use reservation date. Learn more about making reservations here.

In addition, some parking restrictions will be in effect. If you hope to view Horsetail Fall during the “firefall” period, park at Yosemite Falls parking just west of Yosemite Valley lodge and walk 1.5 miles to the viewing location near the El Capitan Picnic Area. If that parking lot fills up, Yosemite Village or Curry Village parking will be available and a free shuttle will take guests to the Yosemite Falls parking.
“Northside Drive will have one lane closed to vehicles so pedestrians can walk on the road between the viewing area and Yosemite Falls parking. Bring warm clothes and a headlamp or flashlight. Parking, stopping, or unloading passengers will be prohibited between Lower Yosemite Fall and El Capitan Crossover.” – Yosemite National Park
Make sure you prepare for cold weather and snowy/icy conditions. Bring warm clothing and a headlamp or flashlight for every person in your party, wear warm footwear, and bring traction devices for your boots. Be prepared to walk a distance to and from the viewing area, especially as it will be cold and dark on the walk back. Make sure you stay out of any burned areas and keep watch for burned snags and branches.
Yosemite Guidelines To Protect The National Park:
- Stay out of meadows. Meadows support a majority of plant and animal species in the park yet are fragile and easily disturbed.
- Stay on trails. When necessary to go off trail (e.g., at a viewing area), areas under forest that have little ground vegetation are the best places to gather.
- Limit your impacts by staying in disturbed areas. Compacted soils prevent plant root growth, inhibiting revegetation in barren areas.
- Do not cross into fenced areas. Fenced areas contain sensitive native ecosystems.
- Use the vault toilets at El Capitan picnic area.
- Use the trash and recycling dumpsters at El Capitan picnic area or pack out all your trash.