By Alex
The ever-changing hues of the sunset deeply captivate photographers. Every year in mid-February, when the afternoon golden sunlight shines on Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park, California, the waterfall cascading down the cliffside transforms into the appearance of molten lava, even creating the illusion of “lava gushing forth.” Locals call this rare spectacle the “Firefall.”
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The “Firefall” requires the alignment of multiple conditions to occur. First, the waterfall needs sufficient snow accumulation (that melts) to serve as its water source. Second, clear skies and glass-like transparent air are also essential. When everything is in place, all that’s left is to wait for the sun to deliver its fiery glow.
The park’s website recommends that for the best photos, the optimal viewing spot is the El Capitan Picnic Area — and arriving early increases your chances of securing a good position. In fact, this year’s Firefall did not disappoint. Though it lasted less than 10 minutes, it was still spectacular. Many photographers and visitors who made the trip captured impressive shots, with some highlights featured below:
▲ (photo by connorrrmorris/Instagram)
▲ (photo by the_lost_coast/Instagram)
▲ (photo by the_lost_coast/Instagram)
▲ (photo by dtm_photo/Instagram)
▲ (photo by markian.b/Instagram)
▲ (photo by magicphoto78/Instagram)
▲ (photo by davidpruter/Instagram)
Source: My Modern Met