Icicles are seen at Tunnel View in Yosemite Valley as public interest in the annual Firefall at Horsetail Fall approaches this month. Photographed Friday, Feb 9, 2024 in Yosemite National Park.

Firefall at Yosemite: Reservations are required in 2023. Pictured is the Yosemite Firefall at Horsetail Fall on February 24, 2021 in Yosemite, California. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Image) ...

There’s a special reason to visit Yosemite in mid-to late February. That’s because the sunset can lead to a “firefall” effect on Horsetail Fall if conditions are right.

The experience of watching Firefall lasts 30 minutes max, just before sunset, so you still have the entire day to explore Yosemite Valley in the winter.

When and how to see 'Firefall' at Yosemite in 2023 This year, the dazzling Firefall event at Yosemite National Park will run through the end of February.

I went during the earliest part of the firefall window for weekend reservations, Saturday, Feb. 11, a date not even rated on Yosemite’s firefall viewing guide for the chances of seeing it.

Yosemite Valley’s Curry Village, which usually limits its canvas tents and hard-sided cabins to weekend-only reservations in winter, is opening those units every day from Feb. 10-26.

The glorious, orange-tinged nature show called “Firefall” at Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall should be on display in February. This year, you’ll need a reservation on certain dates to see it in ...