UPDATE: As of 2020 I am no longer posting annual updates concerning this subject — and I am editing older posts on the subject in light of the need to be more responsible about not encouraging the onslaught. I also no longer recommend going to the Valley to see it. Unfortunately, too much exposure (yes, I played a part in it, unfortunately) has led to absurd crowds, traffic jams, littering, destruction of areas in the Valley where too many people go to see it… and the park has increasingly — and appropriately — cracked down. Parking options have been eliminated, at least one viewing location has been closed. Good news! The rest of Yosemite Valley is still there and often exceptionally beautiful at this time of year.

A photograph by Galen Rowell (“Last Light on Horsetail Falls” – #AA0008 at this link) made the image of this ephemeral winter waterfall into an iconic Yosemite image. Although I have spent a lot of time in Yosemite I have to admit that I’ve missed this event entirely.

I may try to rectify that this year. Edie (a.k.a. “AmbitiousWench” – one of the most prolific online photographers I know of) has posted a series of pieces at her The Little Red Tent blog sharing almost everything you might want to know about photographing this scene. She should know – from what I can tell she must actually live in the Valley. That sounds quite cool – as long as you can get away from the crowds during the summer and as long as a tree doesn’t fall on your car.

By the way, when I first visited the Valley with my family as a child I witnessed the old Glacier Point firefall quite a few times. While I completely understand the reasons that it was discontinued, it was truly a marvel for me as a child.