Each year, during the last two weeks of February, the natural fire fall puts in an appearance. Water from Horsetail Fall pours over the lip of El Capitan, which lights up for a few minutes with the help of last light of the sun. I've seen and photographed this remarkable event a number of times over the past few years. I missed it last year, so was glad my photography group and I had good luck this time out. It was a wonderful Yosemite experience, a great way to kick off the trip, and I'll try it again next year.

It does take some luck, because there has to be sun - only 4 days on average in late February - enough snow, and it has to be warm enough to melt enough snow to make the waterfall.