No matter how advanced technology can get, there is still a sense of magic and awe when it comes to seeing the majesty of nature’s wonder. Sometimes, it’s even more fascinating to see sights like at Yosemite National Park where the annual ‘Firefall’ has returned.
The Yosemite Firefall is just an illusion from when the angle of the sunset hits the waterfall in a particular manner, giving the appearance that fire is flowing from Horsetail Fall.
Each year is different for viewers of the firefall depending on how much water is coming down the Horsetail Fall. According to photographer Mark Willard, the amount of snow that fell in the Yosemite Valley helped enhance the sight for those who had come out to see it.
‘Firefall’ came from the original event that used to take place on Glacier Point. The traditional appearance of the spectacle began in 1872 when Glacier Point Mountain House Hotel owner, James McCauley had kicked the remnants of his campfire over the edge of the cliff, gaining the attention of other tourists in the distance who were intrigued by the idea of a waterfall of fire.
The original Firefall was ended in 1968 by the Director of the National Park Service because no matter how fascinating the sight was, it was not a natural event in comparison to the natural one that is seen at Horsetail Falls.
A person can see the firefall without any assistance from technology, but the use of a telephoto lens doesn’t hurt either. As long as there aren’t any clouds and the temperature are warm enough for the snow to melt allowing for the water to fall from the edge, the beautiful spectacle can be seen.
The best place to capture the sunset is at El Capitan picnic area of the park. So if you’re in California or Nevada for the next couple of weeks, make your way to this picnic area and grab a couple of pictures of the sight of the rare ‘firefall.’
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