January 19, 2011

Post date: Jan 20, 2011 7:05:51 AM

From 1872-1968 at Yosemite National Park, summer visitors watched the Firefall at dusk. They stood in awe at the apparent waterfall of fire "flowing" from Glacier Point. The Firefall was actually burning wood chips that were pushed slowly and continuously off the cliff edge to the valley below. The sight was unforgettable – even President Kennedy stopped by to watch.

The last Firefall at Yosemite was in 1968. It was discontinued because it was unnatural and the crowds were unmanageable. A National Park Service photograph from the 1960s of the Firefall is shown below.

If you are interested in this story and want to know more, a 4-part video by Huell Howser of California’s Gold is available on YouTube starting at these links:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXsA7E21ErQ

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf6-9eN-vPo&feature=related

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1G4ZQ550zo

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxmZEh1O8YA