Travelers seeking a front-row seat to Yosemite National Park’s rare Firefall event can now do so with less hassle and more comfort. Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge & Spa have unveiled their exclusive “Firefall Express” shuttle service, providing guided access to one of nature’s most dazzling light displays during the last three weekends of February.
The Firefall phenomenon occurs when the sun’s angle perfectly aligns with Horsetail Fall on Yosemite’s famed El Capitan, illuminating the water in brilliant, lava-like hues. The spectacle is famously brief, taking place only in late February and drawing large crowds every year.
A Curated Experience
Far more than just transportation, the Firefall Express shuttle offers a premium package that includes chairs, blankets, hot chocolate, and a guided walk to an optimal vantage point for the show. “This dazzling, yet fleeting spectacle occurs only during the last three weeks of February,” according to the lodges’ announcement, ensuring travelers can make the most of their time in Yosemite Valley.
Dates, Times, and Prices
The Firefall Express will depart from both Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge at 2 p.m. and return around 8 p.m. on select February weekends:
- Departing from Evergreen Lodge
Feb. 15-17 and Feb. 22-23
(Evergreen Lodge will be temporarily closed for its annual winter break Feb. 8-9.) - Departing from Rush Creek Lodge
Feb. 8-9, Feb. 15-17, and Feb. 22-23
Tickets cost $110 per adult and $80 per youth (ages 8-15). The National Park Service charges an additional $20 admission fee for visitors aged 16 or older, unless they already have an annual pass or proof of recent entry.
Hassle-Free Access
With Yosemite’s temporary reservation system in place for peak periods, the Firefall Express shuttle lets participants skip the stress of securing park entry on their own. Guests will need to walk a bit over a mile on flat terrain, but the reward is a remarkable up-close view of the glowing waterfall without the typical vehicle congestion.
The service is open to everyone, including those staying outside the lodges or at the sister property, Firefall Ranch. To secure a spot on this once-a-year bucket-list trip, travelers are encouraged to reserve early through
evergreenlodge.com/excursions/yosemite-firefall-express or
rushcreeklodge.com/excursions/yosemite-firefall-express.
About Evergreen Lodge
Set near Yosemite’s northwestern Hetch Hetchy entrance, Evergreen Lodge blends modern resort comforts with the ambiance of a classic 1920s mountain retreat. From cozy cabins to custom camping and a full-service restaurant and tavern, the property provides a wealth of on-site activities, including a heated saltwater pool and daily guided excursions. Certified as a B Corporation since 2007, Evergreen Lodge invests in a Youth Employment Program and adheres to high environmental standards, enhancing the park experience for guests and local communities alike.
