At a Glance
- Horsetail Fall turns into a river of flame each February at sunset
- Rush Creek and Evergreen lodges run weekend shuttles for $120 per adult
- No park reservations required for 2026 viewing season
- Why it matters: Skip the parking chaos and watch nature’s light show with a guide, chair and blankets provided
February in Yosemite National Park delivers one of California’s most arresting natural spectacles: a slender waterfall that appears to ignite when the angle of the setting sun strikes its cascading water. The phenomenon, known as the Firefall, draws crowds to Horsetail Fall on the park’s eastern edge for a brief window each winter.
The Firefall Shuttle Express
Rush Creek Lodge and Evergreen Lodge have turned the annual pilgrimage into a ticketed experience. Their weekend shuttle, dubbed the Yosemite Firefall Express, ferries visitors directly to the viewpoint during the second half of February. A naturalist guide rides along, dishing out the science behind the illusion and the cultural history that surrounds it.
Each guest receives a folding chair and blankets to blunt the mountain chill while waiting for the sun to drop into perfect position. The show lasts only minutes, but the memory-if the sky stays clear-lingers far longer.
Ticket Details and Restrictions
- Adult ticket: $120
- Child ticket (ages 8+): $90
- Yosemite entrance fee: additional and required
- No lodge stay necessary-tickets are open to the public
- Evergreen Lodge will not run shuttles the weekend of Feb. 7-8, 2026; book through Rush Creek Lodge that weekend
Seats sell quickly because the viewing window is narrow: the sun’s angle works its magic only when skies stay cloud-free.
Park Rules for 2026
The National Park Service maintains a dedicated Horsetail Fall page that outlines visitor guidelines for the season. Meadows around the fall are off-limits; foot traffic can damage fragile vegetation and disturb wildlife. Park reservations are not required for February 2026, but the service warns that rules can shift as the date approaches.
Key Takeaways
- The Firefall is weather-dependent-one cloud can cancel the glow
- Shuttle service eliminates parking headaches and includes expert commentary
- Tickets can be booked without staying at either lodge
- Check the park website closer to your visit for any last-minute regulation changes
