Golden sunlight illuminates a waterfall flowing down a rocky cliff with silhouetted trees in the background.

Private Guided Firefall Tour

Nature’s Most Stunning Spectacle

Each February, Yosemite offers a natural phenomenon that feels almost too perfect to be real. As the setting sun aligns just right with Horsetail Fall on the eastern edge of El Capitan, the waterfall is illuminated in glowing shades of orange and gold, creating the illusion of molten lava cascading down the granite face. This fleeting event depends on a precise combination of snowmelt, clear skies, and perfect timing, making it one of the most sought-after winter experiences in Yosemite.

Chasing Yosemite’s Firefall is all about timing—and knowing exactly where to be. With a private guide, you can leave the guesswork behind.

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Quick Details

Season: Available February 14–28
Duration: Full day; approximately 8 hours
Vehicle Size: 2–14; minimum of 2 recommended
To reserve: Call our concierge team at (559) 692-8985.

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A glowing orange “firefall” waterfall flows down a cliff at sunset in Yosemite National Park, with trees in foreground.

A waterfall glows orange like fire against a rocky cliff at sunset, with snow and trees on top.

A thin waterfall glows orange in sunlight against a dark, rocky cliff.

Private Firefall Tour

Your day unfolds at a relaxed, flexible pace as you move through Yosemite Valley, with time to take in winter scenery, shifting light, and quieter moments between stops. As sunset approaches, your guide will lead you to a carefully selected viewing area near El Capitan, timed for the brief window when Horsetail Fall catches the sun and ignites in a glowing ribbon of light.

Your private experience includes a curated charcuterie spread and refreshments to enjoy as you wait for sunset, along with provided seating so you can relax and take in the surroundings without standing in crowded conditions. Rather than navigating busy viewing areas on your own, your guide handles setup and positioning—allowing you to arrive prepared, get comfortable, and fully enjoy the anticipation as the light begins to shift.

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Sunlight illuminates the face of a tall granite cliff, framed by tree branches in the foreground.

This experience is built around precision, flexibility, and making the most of a narrow natural window.

Gourmet Culinary Spread Included: Chef-curated picnic spread with artisan cheeses, premium cured meats, assorted finger sandwiches, and house-made truffles and macarons.
Meeting Location: Tours depart from the porte cochère at the Lodge at Tenaya, with special pickups available for guests staying in the Cottages or Waybound Yosemite.
Transportation: Comfortable private transportation is provided for your group. If desired, you can bring your own vehicle for a private step-on experience.
Required Walking: You must be able to walk a little over 3 miles round-trip on a paved path for this tour.

Two people sit in tall grass in a meadow, surrounded by pine trees and mountains in the background.

Winter in Yosemite brings crisp air and quickly changing temperatures—especially as you wait for sunset. Dressing appropriately ensures you stay comfortable throughout the experience.

We recommend bringing:

Refillable water bottle
Layered winter clothing for changing temperatures
Warm jacket, hat, and gloves for evening viewing
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking footwear with good traction
Small day bag for personal items
Tripod for low-light photography

A glowing orange waterfall on a rocky cliff at sunset, with dramatic clouds in the sky.

Departure Times: Our Yosemite 360 Tours depart at carefully selected times to ensure the best possible experience. Boarding begins at 10:45 AM in front of Tenaya Lodge. Tour leaves promptly at 11:00 AM and returns around 8:00 PM.
Cancellations & Refunds: The viewing of the “firefall” phenomenon is weather dependent and is not guaranteed. Refunds will not be issued due to weather. A full refund is available with at least 24 hours’ notice prior to your scheduled tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are non-refundable. No-shows will be charged the full tour price. Tours canceled due to unsafe weather or road conditions will receive a full refund.
Non-U.S. Resident Entrance Fees: Non-U.S. residents may purchase a Non-Resident America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $250, which covers Yosemite entrance fees for the pass holder plus up to three additional adults (ages 16+) on a Yosemite 360 Tour (maximum four adults total). Guests without this pass will be charged $100 per non-U.S. resident adult (ages 16+). For full details, please visit the National Park Service website.
Vehicles & Operations: While we aim to provide a seamless and comfortable experience, we cannot guarantee a specific vehicle. Vehicle selection is based on group size, tour logistics, and daily operations.
Guide Gratuity: A gratuity of 10–20% of the tour price is customary in the guiding industry and appreciated for exceptional service.