The firefall in Yosemite occurs when the sun sets and the rays are able to shine through the narrow valley and reflect off of the wet granite from the ephemeral horsetail falls. With those necessary conditions, the firefall only happens a few times a year and might not happen at all. From 2011 to 2016 California went through a terrible drought and with no water flowing, the firefall didn’t appear. In the following years it was hit or miss as storms rode through blocking the sunset rays from shining on El Capitan’s face. In 2019, the conditions were perfect with a record setting snowfall in February and good weather at the end of the month.
You never really know what the future may hold. What the conditions will look like the following year or what your living conditions may be. I try to take advantage of any opportunity to do things or see things whenever they come along. I have wanted to see the firefall for years so if I had any window to go, I wanted to take it.
The roads were a mess from recent storms but the weather was looking good on Friday. I decided to try and go then and buy some tire chains on my way. I packed up and headed out. Stopping at an Autozone, they got my tire size but didn’t have the chains stocked. However, there was a store on the way that had the right size so I decided to proceed towards Yosemite. Arriving at the store, I jumped out, ready to buy some chains and get on my way. When he rang the chains up, they were $180. There was no way I was going to spend that kind of money on tire chains for my aging Jeep. My plans were dashed and I doubted I would make it to Yosemite at all. If I was going to make it, the roads would need to clear up.
I continued to keep apprised of the road conditions and on Sunday, chain restrictions were lifted on highway 140. That was a route I hadn’t taken before but I decided to go for it. Right after church, at 1 o’clock, I jumped in my car and headed out to see the Firefall in Yosemite.
The drive was uneventful and soon enough I arrived in Yosemite Valley. Every time I go to Yosemite I am taken aback by its grandeur. This day seemed particularly special as Yosemite prepared to put on a spectacle. Before I had left, I had researched the Firefall pretty thoroughly. Aaron Meyers Photography
has a post with great detail concerning all the vitals needed to enjoy the Firefall at its best. I was able to find a parking spot on the Southside drive at the Swinging bridge picnic area at 3:30 and get on the trail. There was a spot I had scoped out on Google maps that looked like a promising vantage point to enjoy the show.
To get a good view is a little tricky. You want to be behind the waterfall slightly to get the impression that the waterfall is glowing but close enough to still be able to see as much of the waterfall as you can. The conditions are being further narrowed as the National Park Service is closing off areas entirely in order to manage the crowds. To see where you can and cannot park and walk, go to the Yosemite National Park Page.
As I began my hike, snow still covered the ground but it had compacted over the previous warm days. It still was a slog up the trail and I was able to get to my spot just after 4. The timing was perfect as I had time to set up my tripod, dial in my camera, and sit back and enjoy the view. The sky was somewhat hazy and I hoped the firefall effect would still take place. The clouds weren’t too strong though to prevent the sun shining through and reflecting off the wet granite. As the sun began to set the waterfall began to glow as it reflected the array of fiery yellows and oranges giving the illusion of lava flowing down the face of El Capitan. Perhaps it wasn’t the greatest presentation of the firefall but the best one I have seen is the one I saw with my own eyes.
As I returned to my car I was so glad I was able to go and see this beautiful display of God’s creation. It is amazing to see something so unique where all the conditions have to align just right to see this dazzling display of beauty. It is certainly a sight I will never forget.
