Reservations required this year to see Yose 'firefall'

[rlown]

Reservations required this year to see Yosemite National Park's 'firefall'

ASSOCIATED PRESS | February 5, 2018, 7:35AM | Updated 1 hour ago.
SAN FRANCISCO — Adventurers hoping to see Yosemite National Park's annual "firefall" will need reservations.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports Yosemite has instituted a new reservation system this year to end traffic jams and pedestrian safety problems when spectators flock to Horsetail Falls on the east side of El Capitan to see the fiery orange glow at sunset.

The annual February event is known to attract over 1,000 sightseers a year.

'Firefall' phenomenon wows Yosemite visitors
Those hoping to see the natural wonder must apply for a free, day parking permit, which grants access to parking on Northside Drive between the Yosemite Valley Lodge and El Capitan Crossover.

Registration opened Saturday, with a limit of one vehicle permit per person each day. At least 50 permits will be issued for each day between Feb. 12 and Feb. 26.

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Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, http://www.sfgate.com

source: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/79585 ... is-year-to

[bobby49]

Why do you need a parking permit, or a permit of any kind, just to watch the Firefall? Why not just walk there?

[oldhikerQ]

We went a couple of years ago. Got there in the morning, parked the car, scoped out our spot. Walked back to the village for lunch and hung out for a while. Wandered back in the early afternoon and had some great conversations with the folks in our area. Watched the show and got some photos when the falls lit up. Got in the car and headed over to sentinel bridge to catch the moon rise. Back to base after that. A great day in my book.
If I went again, I would skip the car and just hoof it from the village.