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California's Yosemite National Park is again wowing visitors and photographers with its spectacular annual 'firefall' phenomenon.  

For just a few days every February, the setting sun illuminates Horsetail Fall, making it glow like a cascade of molten lava. 

The natural wonder draws scores of people to Yosemite Valley for a spot near the waterfall, which flows down the granite face of the park's famed rock formation, El Capitan. 

Horsetail Fall only flows in the winter or spring when there is enough rain and snow. 

It occurs for just a few days each year in mid-winter. It takes place when the sun remains low in the sky and the orange sunset hits the waterfall at such an angle that the water appears to glow with the reflection.

California's Yosemite National Park is again wowing visitors and photographers with its spectacular annual 'firefall' phenomenon

For just a few days every February, the setting sun illuminates Horsetail Fall to make it glow like a cascade of molten lava

The best views are east of El Capitan along the main roads into and out of Yosemite Valley.

Park officials say the natural phenomenon is expected to last through the weekend.

While the phenomenon occurs each year, it does require weather conditions to be perfect. 

There has to be enough snow gathered at the top and temperatures have to be warm enough for the snow to melt and fall 1,570 feet down the eastern face of the rock formation during the brief window of time when the sun is in position. 

The sky has to be clear as well because any clouds or precipitation would prevent the sunlight from bouncing off the water. 

The waterfall flows down the granite face of the park's famed rock formation, El Capitan

The natural wonder draws scores of people to Yosemite Valley for a spot near the waterfall

Horsetail Fall only flows in the winter or spring when there is enough rain and snow. In February, the sun lights up the fall for only about two minutes at dusk

Park officials say the natural phenomenon is expected to last through the weekend

The best views are east of El Capitan along the main roads into and out of Yosemite Valley