Bridalveil Fall
Yosemite's iconic Bridalveil Fall, a 617-foot cascade whose mist creates a veil-like effect, offering accessible beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow
Bridalveil Fall
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Yosemite's iconic Bridalveil Fall, a 617-foot cascade whose mist creates a veil-like effect, offering accessible beauty.
"It was majestic! It was a short hike up to the falls. "
Check Trail Conditions
Trails can be icy/wet in winter/spring. Be prepared with proper footwear! :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Mist!
Bring a waterproof jacket or change of clothes if you plan to get close. :sweat_drops:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Plunge
Base of the waterfall
Witness the majestic 617-foot drop of Bridalveil Fall, its mist creating a magical, veil-like effect.
The Misty Walk
Trail to the base
Experience the refreshing spray and powerful presence of the falls up close on a short, accessible trail.
Tunnel View Vista
Tunnel View overlook
Catch a breathtaking, iconic panorama of Bridalveil Fall alongside El Capitan and Half Dome.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Best Time for Peak Flow & Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Conditions
Trails can be icy/wet in winter/spring. Be prepared with proper footwear! :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Mist!
Bring a waterproof jacket or change of clothes if you plan to get close. :sweat_drops:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or be patient, especially on weekends. :car:
Photography Tips
Use a telephoto lens for close-ups or capture the full grandeur from Tunnel View. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Conditions
Trails can be icy/wet in winter/spring. Be prepared with proper footwear! :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Mist!
Bring a waterproof jacket or change of clothes if you plan to get close. :sweat_drops:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or be patient, especially on weekends. :car:
Photography Tips
Use a telephoto lens for close-ups or capture the full grandeur from Tunnel View. :camerawithflash:
Family-Friendly Hike
The short, easy trail is great for kids, though some rocky sections require care. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bridalveil Fall for its accessibility, stunning beauty, and refreshing mist, making it a must-see in Yosemite. While parking can be challenging and the trail can be wet, the short, easy hike and majestic views are highly rewarding for all ages.
"Short hike that's suitable for families, with a very slight elevation rise. There are spots where you can go inside the water stream but you can reach the fall itself without going into the water. Keep in mind - To get to the fall there's a short section at the end where you have to climb and walk through some rocks.
Very underrated location in Yosemite! 5/5"
Niv Rosen
"During our spring break, we visited Yosemite National Park for just one day. It was raining, and there was a winter storm warning that night, but we still wanted to visit Bridalveil Fall.
Despite the wet ground, the short hike to the viewpoint was easy and absolutely worth it. As one of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls, Bridalveil Fall was unforgettable up close. My kids definitely loved it."
Ray Lin
"Awesome falls, don't forget to come with a swimming clothes because you can get into some water here at the end.
But before you get there, you will need to clib some huge rocks.
Great for young people, older people will look at it from a far."
Arthur Kiyanovski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bridalveil Fall is located in Yosemite Valley and is easily accessible by car. It's often the first major waterfall you'll see upon entering the valley from the south entrance. There is a parking area near the trailhead.
Yosemite Valley offers a free shuttle service during peak seasons, which can be a convenient way to reach Bridalveil Fall and other attractions without worrying about parking. Check the NPS website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
Yes, Bridalveil Fall flows year-round. However, the trail can be icy and slippery in winter and early spring, so proper footwear is essential.
For a close-up experience, take the short, paved trail to the base of the falls. For an iconic panoramic view, visit Tunnel View.
The viewpoint and trail to Bridalveil Fall were closed for renovations and reopened in December 2023. Always check the official Yosemite National Park website for the most up-to-date information on trail status.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bridalveil Fall is located within Yosemite National Park, which requires an entrance fee per vehicle. This fee grants access to the entire park, including Bridalveil Fall.
Bridalveil Fall is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, park facilities and visitor centers have specific operating hours.
The cost is the standard Yosemite National Park entrance fee, which is typically around $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the NPS website for current pricing.
While there isn't a separate ticket for Bridalveil Fall, you may need a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park during peak seasons or on specific days. It's crucial to check the NPS website for any reservation requirements before your visit.
Parking is available at the Bridalveil Fall parking area, and there is no separate fee beyond the park entrance fee. However, parking can be very limited, especially during peak times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail to the base of Bridalveil Fall is a short, easy walk, approximately 0.8 miles roundtrip. It's very accessible for most visitors.
The trail is considered easy, with a very slight elevation gain. There's a short section at the end with some rocks to navigate to get closer to the fall.
Yes, the trail leads to the base of the falls, where you can feel the mist and get quite close. Be prepared to get wet if the wind is right!
Absolutely! The short, easy trail and the impressive sight of the waterfall make it a great experience for families.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. If visiting during cooler months or if you plan to get close to the falls, bring a waterproof jacket as the mist can be significant.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds. The mist can create beautiful effects, but be mindful of protecting your camera gear.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall and surrounding valley. A telephoto lens can be used for dramatic close-ups of the falling water.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water droplets, or a slower shutter speed with a tripod to create a silky smooth water effect. Protect your lens from the mist.
The viewpoint at the end of the short trail offers a direct view. For a classic Yosemite panorama including Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome, head to Tunnel View.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yosemite National Park, including at Bridalveil Fall, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of the mist, which can be both a photographic challenge and a creative element. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light and fewer people. 🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Allow about 1-2 hours for a relaxed visit, including travel time from parking. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Bridalveil Fall
The waterfall is fed by Bridalveil Creek and flows year-round, though its volume peaks in the late spring and early summer as snowmelt from higher elevations rushes down. Experiencing the Falls
The trail to the base of Bridalveil Fall is a short, paved path, making it an easy and rewarding walk for most visitors, including families with young children.
Beyond the Base
While the direct view from the trail is stunning, Bridalveil Fall is also a prominent feature in some of Yosemite's most famous vistas. The iconic Tunnel View overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Yosemite Valley, with Bridalveil Fall gracefully positioned to the right of El Capitan and in front of Half Dome.
+1Planning Your Visit: Timing and Logistics
This is also when crowds tend to be highest, so visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning can help you avoid the busiest periods. Navigating Yosemite Valley
Parking at Bridalveil Fall can be challenging, particularly on weekends and during peak season.
The trail itself is generally well-maintained, but conditions can vary. In winter and early spring, ice and snow can make the path slippery, requiring caution and appropriate footwear. What to Bring
Given the potential for mist, packing a waterproof jacket or even a change of clothes is a good idea if you plan to get close to the falls.
For those interested in photography, a tripod can be useful for capturing the silky water effect, but be mindful of the crowds and the potentially wet environment. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit