'Firefall' on Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California

© Jeff Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motio

Why is El Capitan ablaze?. Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California

Illuminated by the setting sun on Yosemite's famous El Capitan is a rare natural phenomenon known as the 'Firefall,' which appears for just a few weeks a year. From mid to late February, the sun is at just the right angle to set Horsetail Fall aglow, but only if sufficient water is flowing and the sky is clear. Even then, the Firefall only lasts for about 10 minutes in the evening, so vantage points can be very crowded.

Horsetail Fall is a small, seasonal waterfall fed by rain and snowmelt on the eastern edge of El Capitan, the majestic granite monolith that towers more than 3,000 feet above the valley floor. We hope this year's visitors are lucky enough to see the Firefall, but, if you miss it, there are plenty of other natural wonders to enjoy here in Yosemite National Park.