However, something magical happens to the waterfall at sunset towards the end of February. During this time, the waterfall looks as if it's on fire, which has earned it the nickname "Firefall."

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Firefall

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Yosemite National Park, California

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Outdoors

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5 Real-Life Optical Illusions That Will Boggle Your Mind

For most of the year, Horsetail Fall is just a small waterfall on the famous El Capitan rock formation in Yosemite National Park.

However, something magical happens to the waterfall at sunset towards the end of February. During this time, the waterfall looks as if it's on fire, which has earned it the nickname "Firefall." The reflection of the sun hitting the falling water at just the right angle is what makes it look like lava pouring over the edge of the mountain. It's not only the time of day and the time of year that you'll need to get right, however. There is an element of luck if you want to see this optical illusion in its full glory. You'll need Mother Nature to cooperate — if there is even a little bit of cloud cover, it can ruin your chances of witnessing the epic "Firefall."

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