The winter migration seems to get bigger every February: Thousands of photographers and nature lovers flock to Yosemite National Park to see the natural phenomenon nicknamed “the waterfall of fire.” “.

Fires are often best seen in mid-February, because that’s when the small Cola de Caballo waterfall flows with runoff from winter storms. Additionally, the park requires visitors to make reservations in advance if they want to attend during the highly sought after fire period from Friday to Sunday as the event has grown in popularity in recent years.

Clear skies and enough snow are needed for the waterfall to cascade down the rock formation before the “falling fire” effect can occur.

“Even a little fog or cloudiness can greatly reduce or eliminate this effect,” the park service explains on its website.

As noted by National Geographic, famous landscape photographer Ansel Adams first photographed this waterfall in the 1940s, however, the photo was only in black and white. The first color photo of the “fiery waterfall” effect was taken by National Geographic photographer Galen Rowell in 1973.

If all goes well, the rocky peaks of Yosemite Valley gradually cover El Capitan in darkness from west to east during sunset, leaving a narrow strip of light at the waterfall just before sunset. The stark contrast between the bright mist and the dull rock makes the waterfall seem to shine.