December 6, 2024 18:40 PM

'Firefall' Optical Illusion Wows Visitors At Yosemite National Park

The annual winter phenomenon known as "Firefall" is once again attracting visitors to the Yosemite National Park. It is actually the Horsetail Fall, a waterfall that appears like golden lava falling from the cliff. This natural phenomenon only happens for a couple of weeks each February.

The setting sun illuminates the Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park. The "firefall" optical illusion is created when the angle of the setting sun causes light to hit the waterfall just right; making it seem to glow from within, and making for some magnificent Instagram photos, reports Travel + Leisure. The effect gives the illusion as if orange lava is flowing from the cliff at the park in California. It is a natural phenomenon

National Park Service spokesman Scott Gediman said that the waterfall is much larger than it has been in a long time because of much snow and rain that the place has received. He also suggests the best view is from the park's El Capitan picnic area. He reminds would-be visitors to make sure to get there early because the place will soon be crowded.

Gediman further suggests that visitors bring food, water, extra clothes and tire chains. He also reminds guests to be respectful of the park and make sure to bring their stuff, including their trash, when they leave. The park has a 24-hour hotline: 209-372-0200, of which they can ask about weather and road conditions.

"This trip almost didn't happen due to the crazy road conditions at Yosemite," a photographer posted on Instagram. "For those that plan on going to see this, be careful since there has been so much water that some of the roads are falling apart."

The "firefall" optical illusion at Yosemite National Park is predicted to last up to February 23. Would-be visitors and photographers still have a week to catch it.

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Yosemite National Park, California
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