Yosemite firefall marvels visitors despite heavy snow

Late afternoon light shines on El Capitan's Horsetail Fall during the annual winter firefall event in Yosemite national park in California on 21 February 2026. Photograph: Tracy Barbutes/Reuters

Heavy snow did not deter visitors from flocking to Yosemite in recent days, in hopes of seeing the park’s spectacular natural light show.

Firefall occurs each year in February during sunset when the light hits Horsetail Fall in such a way that, for a brief period, the waterfall appears illuminated by lava. In recent years, the phenomenon has drawn large crowds – and lots of photographers.