Plan Your Visit

Horsetail Fall: February 2023 Reservation Requirements

Horsetail Fall can glow orange when it's backlit by sunset, which can make it appear to be on fire. This unique lighting effect happens only on evenings with a clear sky when the waterfall is flowing and when the sun is at the right angle in mid– to late February. This event attracts many visitors to a small area, causing traffic congestion, parking issues, safety concerns, and impacts to natural and cultural resources.

In order to manage this event, reservations will be required for entry to Yosemite on:

• February 10–12, 2023
• February 17–19, 2023
• February 24–26, 2023 

Learn more by reading through our Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra.

Top Things to Know

1. Plan ahead: reservations are not currently required to enter Yosemite, but we strongly recommend that you make reservations for lodging, camping, and backpacking.
2. Pack your patience: millions of people visit Yosemite from April through October. Yosemite Valley is the main destination for most visitors but there are many places to go in the park.
3. Early birds avoid traffic! From spring through fall, arrive in the park before or after peak hours (before 9 am and after 5 pm) to avoid delays and traffic congestion.
4. Keep wildlife wild: do not approach or feed animals.
5. Drive responsibly: observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to take pictures and let other cars pass.
6. Protect Yosemite’s bears: always practice proper food storage and follow speed limits.
7. Staying connected: cellular service is limited. Don’t be surprised if you can’t receive calls or texts in the park.
8. How can you help four million people? Learn how to visit Yosemite in a way that is fun, memorable, and safe.

 

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  Basic Information

  Entrance fees, weather forecasts, hours of operation and more.

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  Planifique Su Visita

  Obtenga más información sobre cómo planificar una visita a Yosemite.

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  Lodging, Camping, and Wilderness Permits

  Hoping to spend the night in Yosemite? Learn more about lodging, camping, and obtaining wilderness permits.

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  Places to Go

  Which area of Yosemite will you explore next?

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  Things to Do

  Find activities that fit into your Yosemite adventure!

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  Directions & Transportation

  Find your route to Yosemite, check the status of roads, and view park maps.

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  NPS App

  One app, every park at your fingertips. The NPS App offers tools to explore more than 400 national parks nationwide.

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  Hours & Seasons

  Is there a best time to visit Yosemite? It depends what you're looking for, and each season has its advantages.

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  Accessibility

  Yosemite's goal is to provide the highest possible level of accessibility to our visitors.

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  Safety

  Whether you're sightseeing by vehicle or trekking into the wilderness, read our tips on staying safe in Yosemite.

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  Guiding and Transportation Companies

  Find authorized guiding and transportation companies that operate in Yosemite. Authorization to operate is not a recommendation by the NPS.

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  Trip Planning Videos

  Check out a video to help you plan your trip! Videos include general orientation, Yosemite Valley hikes, and visiting in winter.

 

Yosemite Trip Planning Videos
We've made this series of videos to help you plan your trip. So far, we have a general orientation video, along with videos about easy, moderate, and strenuous day hikes in Yosemite Valley.

 

The Yosemite Conservancy bookstore specializes in the very best Yosemite guides, maps, and books. Many of our titles are written by park based experts, making them some of the most comprehensive resources you will have.

When you shop at Yosemite Conservancy bookstore you are also supporting the park. Proceeds go straight back into helping preserve and protect the park, and provide a wide range of visitor services.