Yosemite National Park is scrapping the timed-entry reservations that had limited access to Horsetail Fall’s famous “firefall,” throwing open the projected viewing window, Feb. 10–26, to anyone who can get into Yosemite Valley. Park managers are quick to warn that the fiery orange glow is a fragile trick of nature, appearing for only a few minutes when flowing water, a clear sky, and the exact sunset angle all cooperate. To brace for the incoming crowds, they are rolling out a traffic and parking plan, and visitors should still expect to park well away from the main viewing area and walk back across cold, possibly icy ground after dark.
Park rules and official guidance
In a Tuesday release, the National Park Service said, "No reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park during the Horsetail Fall viewing period," confirmed the projected Feb. 10–26 window, and reminded visitors that the effect depends on water flow, clear skies, and the angle of the setting sun. The agency says it has established a traffic and parking management plan to protect visitors and sensitive resources and is encouraging carpooling and the use of commercial shuttles. Park staff and volunteers will be on site throughout the viewing period to help with crowd flow and resource protection.
How to get a good view
Rangers advise visitors to park in the Yosemite Falls parking area, west of Yosemite Valley Lodge, and then plan for a roughly 1.5-mile walk each way to the main El Capitan viewing spot. If that lot is full, the park recommends leaving vehicles at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and using the free valley shuttle to reach Yosemite Falls parking, as reported by CBS Bay Area. Because the hike back happens after sunset, visitors are urged to bring warm footwear, traction devices where needed, and a headlamp or flashlight for each person.
Why reservations were used and why they are paused
The decision to suspend timed entries follows years of unusually high interest that at times damaged sensitive meadows and strained valley facilities, San Francisco Chronicle reports. Yosemite’s own guidance documents note that on past peak nights, thousands of people crowded areas that lack toilets and hardened trails, a situation that prompted the recent reservation rules. Local tourism groups have welcomed the easier access, while some conservation advocates say the park will need to stay vigilant to prevent trampling and litter on riverbanks and in picnic areas.
Traffic, closures and safety
To carve out space for foot traffic, the park will close one lane of Northside Drive between the Yosemite Falls area and El Capitan so pedestrians can move more safely. Parking, stopping and unloading will be prohibited along stretches of Northside and Southside drives near the viewing corridors. The Los Angeles Times notes that on busy weekends, Northside Drive may be shut for up to about 30 minutes after sunset so traffic can be cleared. Officials are also urging visitors to avoid burned areas and to watch for unstable snags and falling branches, which pose a hazard, especially after dark.
Plan for a long evening
The Horsetail Fall illumination typically lasts only five to 15 minutes on optimal nights, so photographers and sightseers often park early and wait for hours for the big moment. The park recommends arriving early, parking once for the day and staying within already disturbed areas to protect fragile vegetation. For maps, specific closures and the latest conditions, visitors are advised to check the park’s Horsetail Fall page before heading out.
