Watch: Yosemite waterfall turns molten orange

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 1 min read 100% complete February 23, 2026 at 03:54 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Each year in mid to late February, Yosemite National Park's Horsetail Fall can appear to transform into flowing lava. This optical illusion occurs when the setting sun's rays hit the waterfall at a specific angle, creating a fiery orange glow. The phenomenon requires clear evening skies and sufficient water flow in Horsetail Fall, which typically only occurs during the winter months. Even slight cloud cover or haze can diminish the effect, making it a challenging sight to witness. Horsetail Fall cascades down the granite face of El Capitan, making it a dramatic backdrop for this natural spectacle.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

El Capitan 60% California 70% US National Park Service 70% Yosemite National Park ×280% Horsetail Fall ×290%

Keywords

horsetail fall 100% yosemite national park 90% molten lava 80% waterfall 70% optical illusion 70% setting sun 60% el capitan 60% february 50% winter 40%