Overview
- The sunset glow at Horsetail Fall occurs only on select clear evenings when water is flowing, and it typically lasts 5–15 minutes.
- No reservations are required this year as the park prepares for heavy visitation and advises planning for multiple nights to improve viewing chances.
- A traffic and parking plan will close one lane of Northside Drive for pedestrian access, with possible post‑sunset closures on busy weekends.
- Visitors are directed to park at the Yosemite Falls lot for a 1.5‑mile walk each way, with additional parking at Yosemite Village and Curry Village and a free shuttle to the Yosemite Falls lot.
- Parking, stopping, and unloading are prohibited along designated stretches of Northside and Southside Drives, pedestrians are restricted from walking on or next to the road in those areas, and safety guidance includes warm clothing, sturdy footwear, headlamps, and avoiding burned areas; visitors are also urged to stay on trails to protect fragile meadows.