This extraordinary art print captures one of nature's most sought-after spectacles: the ephemeral "Firefall" at Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park. Taken in February 2023, the photograph arrests the moment when the setting sun illuminates the seasonal waterfall, transforming the cascading water into a vivid, molten stream of deep orange and red light. The fiery torrent contrasts dramatically with the cool granite of El Capitan, making the photograph a rare tribute to the fleeting majesty of this annual phenomenon.
The Science and History Behind the Illusion
The Firefall is not a continuous event but a precise, short-lived optical illusion that requires several conditions to align in mid-to-late February:
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Water Flow: The seasonal Horsetail Fall must be flowing, fed by sufficient winter snowpack melting off the eastern edge of El Capitan.
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Clear Sky: The western sky must be perfectly clear at sunset for the sunlight to reach the waterfall.
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Solar Angle: The sun must be at a precise angle, which only occurs for a few minutes each year, allowing the light to hit the cascade and turn the mist into a glowing ribbon of fire.
This natural spectacle gained widespread fame after photographer Galen Rowell captured the first widely-circulated color image in 1973. The name "Firefall" is a nod to a historic, human-made event: from 1872 to 1968, park operators would push burning embers from a bonfire over the edge of Glacier Point on summer nights as a tourist attraction. Today's natural Firefall at Horsetail Fall carries on the tradition of awe and wonder, but as a pure, unpredictable testament to the magic of light and landscape in one of America's most treasured parks.
Available with our premium frames or as a standalone print:
Premium Framed Paper Prints (Classic Presentation)
Our Premium Framed Paper Prints offer a classic, museum-quality presentation with a substantial frame profile.
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Frame Material: Crafted from responsibly sourced oak and ash wood, showcasing unique wood grains for added character.
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Frame Color: Choose from natural wood, sleek black, or crisp white options.
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Frame Dimensions: Substantial profile with a width and thickness of 20mm (0.79”)—significantly wider than a classic frame.
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Ready-to-Hang: Includes a hanging kit.
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Protection: Protected by shatterproof plexiglass.
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Note: Uses the high-quality paper detailed below.
Framed Canvas Prints (The Gallery Look)
Elevate your space with our Framed Canvas Prints, featuring rich texture that adds depth for a captivating art experience.
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Canvas Material: Cotton-polyester blend (300-350gsm) stretched over FSC-certified wood stretcher bars.
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Frame Wood: Sustainably sourced FSC-certified or locally sourced poplar or pine.
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Frame Colors: Choose from Black, Natural Wood, or Dark Brown.
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Frame Dimensions (Floater Style): The front frame width is thin (9 to 14 mm) with a gap to create the floating effect. Thickness varies by region (up to 42 mm).
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Hanging Kit: Included with all prints.
Unframed & Premium Print Paper Quality
This paper quality applies to all Unframed Prints and the paper used inside the Premium Framed Paper Prints.
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Paper Weight: Heavy 200 gsm (80 lb), with a thickness of 0.22 mm (8.7 mils), ensuring durability and longevity.
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Paper Finishing: Features a matte, smooth, uncoated finish for an elegant, non-glare look.
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Sustainable Paper: Made with FSC-certified materials or equivalent, promoting environmental responsibility.
