Horsetail Fall "firefall": next dates and times
Short answer: The next Horsetail Fall "firefall" is on 10 Feb 2027 to 28 Feb 2027 (sunset 17:34 → 17:53; glow in the last 10–15 minutes, local time).
In mid to late February the setting sun lights Horsetail Fall on El Capitan bright orange for about ten minutes, if the fall is flowing and the sky to the west is clear.
Upcoming dates
| Date | What | Time (local) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Feb 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 | 10 Feb to 28 Feb | Sunset 17:34 → 17:53; glow in the last 10–15 minutes |
| 10 Feb 2028 – 28 Feb 2028 | 10 Feb to 28 Feb | Sunset 17:34 → 17:53; glow in the last 10–15 minutes |
| 10 Feb 2029 – 28 Feb 2029 | 10 Feb to 28 Feb | Sunset 17:34 → 17:53; glow in the last 10–15 minutes |
Where to stand
El Capitan picnic area on Northside Drive; the park often requires a reservation or closes roads for the event.
Check the park's firefall rules for the year. The glow peaks in the last 10 to 15 minutes before sunset.
Questions
When is Horsetail Fall "firefall" 2027?
The next Horsetail Fall "firefall" is on 10 Feb 2027 to 28 Feb 2027 (sunset 17:34 → 17:53; glow in the last 10–15 minutes, local time).
Where is the best place to see Horsetail Fall "firefall"?
El Capitan picnic area on Northside Drive; the park often requires a reservation or closes roads for the event.
Does weather matter for Horsetail Fall "firefall"?
Yes: you need a clear view of the western horizon. Check the park's firefall rules for the year. The glow peaks in the last 10 to 15 minutes before sunset.
Calculated from the sun's position (Meeus) for Yosemite, California, USA; times are local (America/Los_Angeles). Buildings, hills and haze can shift what you see by a few minutes.