The name was revived when a photo of the natural fire-like glow on Horsetail Fall made the rounds in 1973. Yosemite put an end to the blazing ember show in 1968. A second hotel owner later continued the tradition to the oohs and aahs of visitors. As the story goes, James McCauley, who owned the Glacier Point Mountain House Hotel, built a campfire and kicked the hot embers over the edge - creating a blazing spectacle as the fiery bits descended to the valley 3,200 feet below. The term refers to the manmade firefall, a Yosemite hotel tradition that started in 1872. If you miss it one night, build in an extra day to try on a second night. You also may need to carry tire chains in case the weather turns and they are required. Make sure you have enough water and snacks to be out for a while. Dress warmly, with layers of clothing, including an outer layer of fleece or a puffy down jacket, a warm hat and gloves. Bring a flashlight or headlamp so you can see where you are walking. Go early to scout out a place (folks start lining up as early as noon) and take test photos to make sure your camera is working properly. Plan to stash your gear in a backpack in case you need to walk a few miles from your parking spot. Fiddling with an iPhone exposure and zoom while the falls ‘catch fire’ is not what you want to be doing during a bucket-list, rare event like this one.” He carries two camera bodies, one with a wide-angle lens and one with a Sigma 60-600mm lens, plus a GoPro. Photographer Raul Roa of Times Community News, who has photographed the firefall many times, offers this advice: “iPhones are good for many things, but for this one, I think it’s best to either take a regular camera, something with a zoom lens, or just go and enjoy the sight. ![]() Let’s start with a good camera, a cable release and a sturdy tripod. Parking and traffic restrictions are in effect from noon to 7 p.m. If the lot at Yosemite Falls is full, park farther away (at Yosemite or Curry villages) and take the free shuttle, which is operating on a limited schedule. The park recommends parking at Yosemite Falls and walking 1.5 miles to the picnic area. ![]() Where are the best viewing sites?Įl Capitan Picnic Area on Northside Drive is the most popular spot, Meyers’ website says. You do need to pay the park’s $30 entry fee (good for seven days). Do I need a permit or a reservation to see the firefall? If you’re minutes late because you couldn’t find a parking spot, you may have missed the show. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. ![]() Also, you need a clear night when fog or clouds don’t obscure the light, according to Meyers. For starters, water needs to be flowing in the fall. I just show up and I’ll see the firefall?
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