Yosemite's spectacular "firefall"

The transformation of Horsetail Falls into a spectacular glowing "firefall" is a natural phenomena lasting just 10 minutes a day for a couple of weeks in February in Yosemite National Park.

The enthralling rare occurrence happens when conditions are perfectly aligned - snow, rain, clear skies and, most importantly, a setting sun in winter at a particular angle. That setting sun makes the falling water look like a falls on fire or flowing lava.

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Yosemite's firefall

"In the over 20 years I have been photographing the firefall and leading workshops there in Yosemite, I have never seen a more spectacular one," Michael Mariant, a photographer from Morro Bay, California, told The New York Times.

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Yosemite's firefall

Water flows from El Capitain down Horsehoe Falls. Thanks to El Niño producing heavy rains and snow in the Sierra Nevada the firefall this year is especially amazing to see, drawing visitors from all over.

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Yosemite's firefall

Those who see the phenomena in person describe the awesomeness of witnessing Horsetail Falls turn from clear colored water to a fiery hue.

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Yosemite's firefall

The phenomena only lasts for one or two weeks in February, if it happens at all. The recent drought the last few years has made the event even rarer than usual.

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Yosemite's firefall

Large crowds gather each day, staking out spots as early as 5am, to see and photograph the firefall at sunset.

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Yosemite's firefall

The best spot to view and photograph the beautiful firefall is east of El Capitain.

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Yosemite's firefall

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Yosemite's firefall

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Yosemite's firefall

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