Yosemite Firefall 2016

Natural Firefall in Yosemite Valley on February 24, 2016. About two weeks in late February, when the right conditions come together, the sunset light hits El Capitan’s Horsetail Fall at perfect angle. As a result, the waterfall is illuminated glowing like a fire-fall.

2016 February presented a perfect condition for the firefall, with enough snow and water for Horsetail fall, thanks to El Nino, and the weather was favorable for the firefall to occur.

2019 February may bring another great opportunity for Firefall due to the significant amount of the rainfall and snow received this winter.

Video by Lifeisamt

Mt. Hoffman via May Lake - Yosemite National Park, CA

October 11, 2016

Distance:  2.5 miles RT to May Lake; 6 miles RT to Mt. Hoffmann 
Trailhead:  May Lake High Sierra Camp/8,710 feet  

Elevation Gain:  500 ft to May Lake/9,270 ft; 2,000 ft to Mt. Hoffman/10,845 ft 

Summit Mt. Hoffman via May Lake in Yosemite's high country along Tioga Road. Great 360 views from the top. Mt. Hoffman looms as Yosemite's geographical center. Hiking to May Lake is straight forward and easy, but the journey from the lake to Mt. Hoffman is moderate to advance as the trail gains elevation steeply and requires route finding skills part of the way while the route becomes rocky and sandy.  Follow cairns to stay on track.  The reward is worth the effort when you see the breathtaking views from the top....360 panorama of Yosemite's High Sierra ranges and May Lake's crystal blue water. Bring enough water to stay hydrated if you do this hike in summer.