Horsetail Fall

Firefall over Glacier Point (left) and Horsetail Fall illuminated by sunset (right).

Firefall photo (left) courtesy of the Yosemite Archives. Horsetail Fall photo (right) by Bethany Gediman

 

Horsetail Fall flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. It's a small waterfall that many people don't notice, but it has gained popularity as more and more people have noticed it can glow orange during sunset in mid to late February, in a way reminiscent of the Firefall that occurred historically from Glacier Point.

The most popular place to see Horsetail Fall seemingly afire is El Capitan picnic area, west of Yosemite Lodge and east of El Capitan (see map below). The "firefall" effect generally happens during the second half of February. A clear sky is necessary for the waterfall to glow orange.

Below, you'll find an episode of the park's video podcast, Yosemite Nature Notes, that focuses on Horsetail Fall (Episode 14).

 

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  Episode 14: Horsetail Fall

  Horsetail Fall is a small, ephemeral waterfall that flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. For two weeks in February, the setting sun striking the waterfall creates a deep orange glow that resembles Yosemite's historic "Firefall."

  Date created:

  2011-03-01