Yosemite Lifts Firefall Reservations Amid Ranger Shortage

Yosemite National Park has always been a magnet for nature lovers, photographers, and families seeking awe-inspiring vistas. But in early 2026, the park found itself at the center of two significant changes: the end of a reservation system for its famed "Firefall" event and a dramatic reduction in ranger presence at its gates. These shifts, occurring in the span of just a few months, have sparked excitement, confusion, and concern among visitors and park advocates alike.

For years, the "Firefall" at Yosemite has been one of the most anticipated natural spectacles in the United States. It’s a fleeting phenomenon that draws hundreds—sometimes thousands—of eager onlookers each February. When conditions are just right, the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall at a precise angle, turning the cascading water into a ribbon of vivid orange, as if the falls themselves are ablaze. This spectacle, which lasts only between 5 and 15 minutes each day, is visible during a narrow window from February 10 to February 26.

Since 2022, the National Park Service required visitors to reserve a spot during these coveted weekends in February. The reservation system was initially implemented to manage the crush of visitors and to protect the park’s fragile natural resources. According to USA Today, the program was intended to prevent overcrowding, reduce environmental degradation, and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone lucky enough to witness the "Firefall."

But as of January 2026, that policy has been scrapped. Yosemite National Park Superintendent Ray McPadden announced the removal of the reservation requirement at a meeting with tourism officials, as reported by the Mariposa Gazette. The decision means that, for the first time in years, anyone can try their luck at catching the fiery glow of Horsetail Fall—no advance booking needed. "The removal of the reservation requirement to witness the Yosemite Firefall opens the opportunity for more travelers to see the phenomenon during the brief window of Feb. 10 -26," Yosemite National Park officials stated, according to USA Today.

For travelers hoping to see the spectacle, planning remains crucial. The event’s brevity—sometimes just five minutes, and never more than a quarter-hour—means that timing is everything. Park officials recommend arriving between noon and early afternoon to stake out a prime viewing spot. The best parking is at the Yosemite Falls parking area, west of Yosemite Valley Lodge, but from there, visitors must walk about a mile and a half to the viewing area near El Capitan Picnic Area. If the lot fills up, guests are advised to park at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and take the free shuttle to Yosemite Falls parking area, then continue on foot. The road to Yosemite Valley Lodge is only one lane, and stopping or unloading passengers there is strictly prohibited.

While the end of the reservation system may be a relief to spontaneous travelers, it comes at a time when the park’s ability to manage large crowds is being tested in unprecedented ways. In December 2025, regulars and advocates noticed something strange at Yosemite’s entrances: the rangers were gone. On a chilly morning, tourists drove into the park without paying fees, puzzled by the absence of the familiar green- and khaki-clad guardians who typically greet and guide them at the gates.

According to The New York Times, this was not an isolated incident. Throughout the past year, ranger sightings had become “too rare,” in the words of park regulars. The lack of supervision led to a noticeable uptick in what some called the wrong kind of wildness—littering, cliff jumping, and unauthorized drone-flying, activities that threaten both the environment and visitor safety. The National Park Service, which oversees Yosemite, saw a 25 percent drop in permanent staff over the previous year, a reduction attributed to a combination of Department of Government Efficiency layoffs, buyouts, and retirements. These changes unfolded under President Trump’s administration, according to the National Parks Conservation Association, a nonprofit watchdog group.

The impact was immediate and visible. Without rangers to enforce rules and collect entrance fees, visitors were left to their own devices. Some saw this as a stroke of luck—who doesn’t love free admission to a national treasure? But others worried about the consequences. Litter began to accumulate along trails and picnic areas. Social media filled with images and videos of daredevils leaping from cliffs and piloting drones over protected habitats. The delicate balance between access and preservation, always a challenge at Yosemite, now seemed even more precarious.

Park advocates have raised alarms about the long-term effects of diminished staffing. Rangers do more than just collect fees; they educate visitors, monitor wildlife, respond to emergencies, and serve as the park’s first line of defense against everything from wildfires to vandalism. “Visitors were far less supervised than they normally were, which had led to the wrong kind of wildness—littering, cliff jumping, drone-flying,” the New York Times reported, echoing concerns from conservationists and longtime fans of the park.

The timing of these two developments—the end of the Firefall reservation system and the reduction in ranger staff—has created a perfect storm of opportunity and risk. On one hand, more people than ever may have the chance to see the Firefall in person, snapping photos and making memories during those magical February evenings. On the other hand, the absence of sufficient staff raises serious questions about the park’s ability to protect its natural wonders and maintain order during what is sure to be a busy season.

Some visitors are already strategizing for the upcoming Firefall window. Online forums buzz with tips about when to arrive, where to park, and how to navigate shuttle routes. Others, however, voice concern about the potential for chaos, especially if crowds swell beyond what the reduced staff can safely manage. For park officials, the challenge will be to balance accessibility with stewardship, ensuring that Yosemite remains both welcoming and well-protected.

As February approaches and anticipation builds for the Firefall, one thing is certain: Yosemite is entering a new era—one with fewer barriers for visitors, but also fewer guardians on the front lines. The coming weeks will reveal whether the park can rise to the occasion or whether its newfound openness will come at too high a cost.

Yosemite’s natural beauty has always inspired awe, but its continued preservation will depend on vigilance, cooperation, and a healthy respect for both the wonders and the rules of the wild.