Adventurers hoping to see Yosemite National Park's annual "firefall" will need reservations.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports Yosemite has instituted a new reservation system this year to end congestion and pedestrian safety problems when spectators flock to Horsetail Fall on the east side of El Capitan to see the fiery orange glow at sunset. The release says popularity has contributed to traffic issues, including "jams with over 1,000 vehicles at one time."
Those hoping to see the natural wonder Feb. 12-26 must apply for a free day parking permit, which grants access to parking on Northside Drive between the Yosemite Valley Lodge and El Capitan Crossover.
Registration opened Saturday, with a limit of one vehicle permit per person each day: 250 parking reservations (a reservation is good for a carload of passengers) will be available online each day, with 50 additional daily permits on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.
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