Chronic Congestion At Yosemite 'Firefall' Spurs Required Reservations

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA—For a couple of weeks every year, in mid-to-late February, when the evening skies are clear and the water flows, Yosemite National Park's Horsetail Fall has a fiery orange glow. Backlit by the sunset, it becomes a "Firefall."

"You’re almost guaranteed an incredible show," Reno-based photographer Dan Dunn told the Los Angeles Times. "In 2019, the conditions lined up with the snowpack, wind, moisture blowing off the mountain and the light filtering through the clouds that creates a perfect orange."

According to the National Park Service, the highly photographed natural wonder attracts many visitors to a small area, resulting in traffic congestion, parking issues, safety concerns and impacts on natural and cultural resources.

That is why, during three weekends this February, the National Park Service will require guests to have a reservation to enter the park— even those not visiting Horsetail Fall. The weekends subject to this requirement are Feb. 8–9, Feb. 15–17 and Feb. 22–23.

Visitors who arrive on a weekday—except Monday, Feb. 17—will not need a reservation. However, there is a $35/car entrance fee to enter the park, regardless of the day of arrival.

When, How To Get Reservation For Horsetail Falls

Beginning at 8 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday, Nov. 18, the park service will make 50 percent of its day-use Horsetail Fall Ticketed Entry reservations available online at Recreation.gov for the three weekends in February.

The remaining 50 percent of the reservations will be available at 8 a.m. Pacific Time two days before a day-use reservation date. For example, at 8 a.m. on Feb. 21, day-use reservations will be available for entry on Feb. 23.

"Reservations sell out almost immediately," the National Park Service said. "Be sure to have an account, be logged in, and be ready to get a reservation promptly at 8 a.m. Pacific time."

Chronic Congestion

Yosemite National Park has been affected by chronic congestion for over 50 years. The National Park Service has worked on a visitor access management plan for several years.

From 2014 to 2019, the park piloted different management strategies, including restricting access to East Yosemite Valley when parking lots reached capacity and actively managing parking at other popular locations. From 2020 to 2022 and again in 2024, the park piloted day-use reservation systems for the entire park.

During the winter of 2022-2023 and summer of 2023, the park received around 6,000 letters as part of a public engagement process. The feedback was used to help craft a range of alternatives for a plan to alleviate the congestion.

Entrance Fee, Reservations In 2025

For the rest of 2024 and from Jan. 1 through Feb. 7, 2025, no reservations are required to drive into Yosemite. The $35 per car entry fee still stands.

From Feb. 8-23, reservations are required 24 hours per day on Saturdays, Sundays and President George Washington's Birthday, Monday, Feb. 17.

After Feb. 26: The National Park Service will announce details on plans for managing visitor access in summer 2025 by the end of 2024.