A sight that resembles a fiery stream of lava gushing down a huge rock face into a valley deep down – aptly named ‘Firefall’ – brings millions of tourists to Yosemite National Park in the month of February every year. And if you are planning a visit to Yosemite National Park to witness this seasonal wonder, you will have to make your reservation in advance to be able to enter the park on select dates from 10 February to 26 February 2023.
The park officials decided to reinstate the reservation system to avoid overcrowding as a huge number of visitors flocked to the park in February in recent years to catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Yosemite ‘Firefall’. According to the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), reservation is mandatory for tourists visiting the park in February (when the ‘Firefall’ is expected to appear in its full glory), on the following dates:
10th to 12th February 2023
17th to 19th February 2023
24th to 26th February 2023
Travelers may be able to book their reservation starting 13th January 2023.
What is Yosemite ‘Firefall’?
Yosemite ‘Firefall’ looks exactly what it sounds like – a fire flow! But, in fact, it is a rare natural phenomenon that causes the Horsetail waterfall (a seasonal waterfall in Yosemite National Park fed by rain or snowmelt) to appear like a ‘Firefall’ under certain weather conditions. This phenomenon usually occurs during sunset hours in February and lasts only a few minutes.
The setting sun, under the right conditions (that include a clear sky and perfect sunset angle among others), illuminates the Horsetail waterfall flowing down in two streams along the face of the iconic El Capitan rock formation in vivid hues of red and orange. For spectators viewing this from a distance, it appears as if blazing fire, having assumed a liquid form, is flowing down the massive rock formation.
This spectacle of nature is a sight to behold! It was rather an unknown attraction in Yosemite National Park until a few years ago, but this awe-inspiring phenomenon grew popular with travelers, especially photography enthusiasts in no time.
Are you planning to fly to California this February to witness the beauty of Yosemite ‘Firefall’? Make your reservations as soon as the booking window opens. And to save maximum on flight tickets, take advantage of Indian Eagle deals on international flights.
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