'Firefall' Mesmerizing at Yosemite National Park in California

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'Firefall' Mesmerizing at Yosemite National Park in California - by Amanda Jackson/ CNN/ Travel/ cnn.com

"(CNN)No, that is not lava flowing over a cliff. The illusion of fire falling over Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park is a yearly phenomenon.

People call it the "firefall," and it is a completely natural effect that occurs when the angle of the sun sets and illuminates the waterfall.

"It's the way the sun happens to hit that causes the waterfall to glow in such way," said Yosemite National Park Ranger Ashley Mayer.

This yearly occurrence only happens for a couple weeks in February..."

Richard

 

[Greg G]

Richard

That "fire" effect is just amazing.

Greg

 

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The Dazzling Firefall of Yosemite has Returned
By Michael D'Estries/ Earth Matters/ Wilderness & Resources/ Mother Nature Network/ mnn.com

"The rare and stunningly beautiful phenomenon only occurs during a two-week window in February.

While winter in Yosemite National Park offers a spectacular opportunity to witness the national park's unparalleled beauty, there's one phenomenon in particular worth planning a trip around.

During the last two weeks of February, the angle of the setting sun transforms the 2,130-foot Horsetail Falls into what many have nicknamed "The Yosemite Firefall." The effect is so convincing that it almost appears as if lava is pouring out of the granite cliffside. For photographers, this spectacle is not to be missed, with many snatching up the best spots to catch the phenomenon as early as 5 a.m. each morning.

The opportunity to witness a rare 'Yosemite Firefall' is brief but beautiful (Photo: Jay Huang/Flickr)


Richard