Image ID: 17-0681c

Conditions have to be just right for the "Firefall" @ Horsetail Fall to occur. Every February, for a few brief days, the sun shines through the mountain pass at sunset, hitting Horsetail Fall at just the right angle to create a phenomenon whereby the waterfall (if there is water) appears as if it is molten lava or on fire. Adding to the tenuous spectacle is the weather . . . the sky has to be clear for the sun to shine through.

We were fortunate on a couple of occasions; all the ingredients were in place. Fingers crossed the clouds would stay away at sunset.

While the red glow of the firefall draws hundreds, if not thousands, this view about 2 hours before sunset does not draw much interest. In my view this is just as stunning. The silver of the mist and mountain were spectacular.

Yosemite NP - CA