Nature’s firefall, 2/12/08, Horsetail Falls, Yosemite Valley.

Nature’s firefall, 2/12/08, . This is Horsetail Falls on the east side of El Capitan, Yosemite Valley. For a couple weeks a year the last rays of the setting sun turn the water a orange/red that resembles molten metal.

This night had plenty of water after a unusual warm day but the sun was cut off during the last minutes. This is the last good shot before the sun cut off.

Horsetail Falls, aka El Capitan Falls, drops 1500 ft. off incredible El Capitan. It is best viewed from a picnic area along Northside Drive. Look way up to the top of the big rock to see the waterfall. You’ll need at least a 200m zoom lens to get decent photo. Horsetail Falls also has low drainage and disappears by May or June.

The best time of year to see Horsetail Falls is near the end of February. If you are here on a clear night in February, be sure to visit this waterfall at sunset. The sun strikes the rock in such a way that it appears Horsetail Falls is on fire. This is a incredible sight to see.