In February, Yosemite National Park experiences one of its most spectacular natural phenomena — the Yosemite Firefall. This incredible event only occurs a few days a year when conditions are just right, causing Horsetail Fall to appear as if a fire is cascading down the mountain!
Incredible Adventures is thrilled to take guests to the park this year for an opportunity to witness the Yosemite Firefall as part of our Yosemite Winter Guided Overnight Lodging Tour. We’re also celebrating 25 years of ownership with a 60-day special discount, perfectly coinciding with the Firefall! So if you’ve dreamt of seeing Horsetail Fall illuminated by the setting sun, this is your chance.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can see the Yosemite Firefall in 2025 and our available tours and discounts. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

What is the Yosemite Firefall?
The Yosemite Firefall is a unique occurrence that takes place in February in Yosemite National Park at Horsetail Fall. Cascading over El Capitan, Horsetail Fall is typically one of the lesser-known falls in the park. However, between mid to late February, Horsetail Fall becomes a natural spectacle. As the sun is setting, it is perfectly positioned behind the falls to illuminate them in striking red and orange hues. But the conditions have to be just right, with the right amount of water flowing and a cloudless sky.
Since the phenomenon was first captured on camera in 1973 by Galen Rowell, who had the sheer luck of being in the right place at the right time, the Yosemite Firefall has attracted visitors and photographers from far and wide.
Fun fact: Before the phenomenon of Horsetail Fall was first spotted, there was another Yosemite Firefall which involved actual fire embers being thrown over Glacier Point to create the effect of a blazing waterfall. This took place from 1872 until 1968, when the director of the National Park Service banned the event to preserve the valley and its natural state.

Reservations for Yosemite Firefall in 2025
The Yosemite Firefall attracts thousands of visitors each year, which has resulted in reservations being implemented to prevent overcrowding and damage to the environment.
For 2025, the National Park Service will require visitors to make a reservation to drive into Yosemite on specific dates, including:
- 8-9 February
- 15-17 February
- 22-23 February
- 1-2 March
- 8-9 March
- 15-16 March
- 22-23 March
These dates cover Saturdays and Sundays as well as Washington’s Birthday.
If you arrive on a weekday you do not need to make a reservation to enter or drive into Yosemite in the following seven days. However, there will be limited parking available in the reserve during this time.
Planning Your Yosemite Firefall Visit
This year, the Yosemite Firefall phenomenon is expected to occur between 8 and 23 February. With the confluence of clear skies and enough water flow required for the firefall effect, it’s recommended to assess conditions prior to your visit if you want to avoid disappointment. Try to plan to visit on a day with minimal to no cloud cover and when the weather has been warm enough to melt water and cause it to flow.
The main viewing area is near the El Capitan Picnic Area. You can park at the Yosemite Falls parking and walk 1.5 miles to the viewing point. While the Yosemite Firefall can only be viewed about five to 15 minutes before the sun goes down, it’s important to arrive early to the viewing point to claim your spot as it can get crowded with eager sightseers and photographers.
Because you will be visiting in winter, make sure you dress in layers and wear appropriate shoes. Remember that you will have to walk back to your vehicle or accommodation, so bring a headlight or torch.

See Yosemite Firefall with an Incredible Adventures Tour
If you want to see Yosemite Firefall without having to worry about reservations, you can book our Yosemite Winter Guided Overnight Lodging Tour! Incredible Adventures is specially running this tour during Firefall season on 8 February, 12 February, 15 February, 19 February, and 22 February.
Departing from San Francisco, this two-day tour includes your transportation, Yosemite entrance fee, as well your choice of accommodation in comfortable lodgings. You’ll get to enjoy a premium Yosemite Firefall experience, with professional photography tips included. During this special tour, you’ll also get to see even more Yosemite landmarks and enjoy some stargazing for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Make sure to book soon as spots are limited!

Celebrate Incredible Adventures’ 25th Birthday with Special Discounts!
Better yet, you can take advantage of our Yosemite tours with our special discounts! Incredible Adventures is thrilled to celebrate 25 years of running unparalleled tours across the country, from San Francisco to Alaska. To commemorate over two decades in the business, we’re running a 60-day celebration discount of 25% on select tours from San Francisco and Yosemite!
This discount is running from 25 January to 25 March, so make sure to book your Yosemite National Park Tour in that time and see the Yosemite Firefall for yourself! If you have any questions for us about our Yosemite Firefall tour or our discounts, please feel free to contact us.