Yosemite National Park February 2008

The last week of February in Yosemite Valley a natural phenomena occurs when the weather conditions are ideal. As the sun sets a small water fall called Horsetail Falls is lighted by the sun in such a way as to make it look as if it were on fire.

This happens because of the very warm light of the setting sun and because just about the only thing that is not in the shadows at the time is the water itself. As the sun continues to set the water fall become richer and richer in color and intensity. This phenomena lasts just a few minutes and then the water turns a pink tinted gray and night falls.

This water fall is very small compared to other water falls in Yosemite and can be found only with binoculars during the day. But in the evening when the sun lights it you can easily see it with the naked eye. It falls from the eastern side of El Capitan and flows only two or three months out of the years because it is fed by only a few acres of water shed on top of the mountain.

This photograph was taken early before the colors became rich with oranges and yellows. Check out the gallery for the rest of the photos taken at the prime time.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. If you would like a print of any of these photographs please contact me at alvance@charter.net. All images on my site are for sale.