2017-02-16

Yosemite National Park is already widely regarded as one of the most naturally beautiful places on Earth but every year it reveals a secret that makes it just that little bit more special.

While you might recognise El Capitan (Apple loves using it for its wallpapers) you almost certainly won’t recognise it looking like this.

It’s that time of year again when visitors flock to #Yosemite #NationalPark to see the famous #HorsetailFall -- the waterfall that looks like lava flowing down the side of El Capitan. This rare phenomenon only happens for a short time in February (if the conditions are perfect) when the setting sun’s rays hit the waterfall at just the right angle, illuminating the water in brilliant reds and oranges. It’s a spectacular sight reminiscent of @yosemitenps's historic #Firefall! Photo courtesy of Ray Lee (@rayophotography13). #findyourpark #usinterior

A post shared by U.S. Department of the Interior (@usinterior) on
Feb 13, 2017 at 4:26pm PST

This is the phenomenon known as the “Firefall”. It takes place around the end of winter/spring when the snows start melting and the sun’s rays hit the Horsetail Fall just right.

It’s an astonishing sight that transforms the waterfall from an already impressive spectacle to an otherworldly sight that makes it look like lava careering off the cliff edge.

It’s a rare sight to capture and right now photographers are streaming to the park to try and capture a rare glimpse of a phenomenon that could disappear as soon as it appeared.

Since it only happens once a year, here’s another photo of Fire Fall at Horsetail Fall in Yosemite. : @axleethington #firefall #yosemite #horsetailfall #northerncalifornia #lightmagic

A post shared by SFGATE (@sfgate) on
Feb 15, 2017 at 11:03am PST

From the Oct. 1962 LIFE special issue - THE CALL OF CALIFORNIA: It's Splendor. It's Excitement. Why people go, go and go there. This image appeared on the cover - "Cascade of fire lights Yosemite at dusk." (Ralph Crane—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images) #firefall #California #Yosemite

A post shared by life (@life) on
Feb 15, 2017 at 10:55am PST

+ = Tracked the weather forecast and saw a snow storm next week. Checked social media Saturday night and saw some posts on IG that the fire fall has started and made a last minute solo trip Sunday hoping the sky stayed clear. Do you think it's worth the 3am wake up call, 3 hours of waiting in a spot across the Merced river waiting for sunset and 8 hours of driving total driving in one day? Talk about a long day....#ppred . . . #bpmag #wildernessculture #tlpicks #awesomeearth #aroundtheworldpix #beautifuldestinations #teamtravelers #watchthisinstagood #wonderful_places #earthofficial #travelawesome #discoverglobe #fantastic_earth #places_wow #wonderful_places #earthfocus #awesome_globepix #bestvacations #awesome_photographers #awesome_earthpix #ourplanetdaily #passionpassport #unlimitedadventure #igs_america #california4fun #igersnorcal #ignorcal #norcal #igersac #firefalls

A post shared by Brian Chan (@brianchanphotography) on
Feb 15, 2017 at 7:31am PST

One of my photos from Yosemite National Park's annual 'Firefall.' For more info, pics, and my tips on photographing this, see the link in my bio... #firefall #yosemite

A post shared by Tom Bricker (@tom_bricker) on
Feb 15, 2017 at 1:31pm PST

Last light on horsetail falls. #firefall #yosemite . It's humbling to see things in nature that are so perfectly crafted and timed and positioned and mind glowingly grand and majestic as to point to a divine and loving Creator. #lovewins

A post shared by Geoffrey Ravenhill (@thesurfbird) on
Feb 16, 2017 at 5:49am PST

At the right place, at the right time, it's that precise #horsetailfalls #yosemite #waterfall #nature #firefall #february #precision #righttime

A post shared by Svetlana (@droogarica) on
Feb 16, 2017 at 12:11am PST

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

Show more