x
Breaking News
More () »

Yosemite's incredible waterfall that looks like it's on fire appears this time of year

The sun hits the Horsetail Fall at just the right angle to create an illusion that looks like lava flowing off the side of the cliff instead of water.

The phenomenon known as the "firefall" at California’s Yosemite National Park makes its appearance in mid-February each year.

This is when the sun hits the Horsetail Fall at just the right angle to make it appear like hot lava is flowing off the side of the cliff instead of cool water.

The only problem is, the firefall only lasts for a few minutes right at sunset — and it only happens at sunset for a couple weeks out of the year.

The event draws hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors hoping to see it in person. Its popularity has grown even more in recent years due to viral Instagram posts and tweets about it — some argue the experience is almost too popular or crowded now.

When will the firefall happen in 2020?

According to the LA Times, an expert calculates this years firefalls will happen between Feb. 12 and 28 with the best viewing times between 5:28 and 5:40 p.m. on Feb. 22.

Editor's note: Portions of this article originally appeared on KHOU.com in Feb. 2017.

ALSO POPULAR ON KHOU.COM

Send us a news tip | Download our app#HTownRush Newsletter

Before You Leave, Check This Out