Watch: Yosemite waterfall turns molten orange

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.