Bridalveil Fall Trail Yosemite National Park
Yosemite's iconic Bridalveil Fall offers a stunning, accessible 617-foot cascade with a refreshing mist. A must-see Yosemite Valley gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak flow, fewer crowds
Bridalveil Fall Trail Yosemite National Park
Best Time
Peak flow, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Yosemite's iconic Bridalveil Fall offers a stunning, accessible 617-foot cascade with a refreshing mist. A must-see Yosemite Valley gem.
"Easy hike up to see the waterfall up flow and it's beautiful! We loved it and the entire family enjoyed it!"
Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive before 8 AM to enjoy the falls with fewer people. ☀️
Waterproof Gear is Key!
You WILL get wet from the mist. Bring a rain jacket or poncho. 💧
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bridalveil Fall Base
Trailhead
Feel the mist and witness the sheer power of this iconic, year-round waterfall. A must-see Yosemite Valley gem.
Pohono Trail Vista
Pohono Trail
Panoramic views of Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Valley, offering a different perspective of the majestic landscape.
Winter Wonderland
Bridalveil Fall Trail
Experience the falls surrounded by snow and ice for a magical, serene, and potentially slippery adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Bridalveil Fall
Prepare to Get Wet!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive before 8 AM to enjoy the falls with fewer people. ☀️
Waterproof Gear is Key!
You WILL get wet from the mist. Bring a rain jacket or poncho. 💧
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Even the paved trail can be slick, especially in winter. Hiking boots recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Protect Your Camera
Keep your phone and camera safe from the spray. A waterproof case is a good idea. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive before 8 AM to enjoy the falls with fewer people. ☀️
Waterproof Gear is Key!
You WILL get wet from the mist. Bring a rain jacket or poncho. 💧
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Even the paved trail can be slick, especially in winter. Hiking boots recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Protect Your Camera
Keep your phone and camera safe from the spray. A waterproof case is a good idea. :camerawithflash:
Check Trail Conditions
Winter can bring ice and snow. Always check for updates before visiting. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bridalveil Fall Trail for its accessibility and stunning beauty, calling it a must-see Yosemite stop. The short, easy walk makes it perfect for families and those seeking a quick scenic experience. While the mist can be intense, most find it invigorating and part of the charm. Some note that water flow is lower in late summer/fall.
"Bridalveil Fall Trailhead is an easy, 0.5-mile flat trail, perfect for a quick and scenic walk. We visited in August, so the water flow was low, but the fall is still stunning. Early summer visits are likely even more impressive. Beautiful views and very accessible highly recommend!"
Mahesh S R
"Easy hike up to see the waterfall up flow and it's beautiful! We loved it and the entire family enjoyed it! Strongly recommend it visiting Yosemite you have to stop and see these falls!"
Jamake
"You can watch the waterfall every day and next day you still find something different in it. Easy hike to the bridge. The view is superb."
Anatoliy Trifonov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bridalveil Fall is located at the entrance of Yosemite Valley. If driving from the west, it's one of the first major sights you'll see. There's a dedicated parking area. If using public transport, check Yosemite's shuttle bus routes for access points.
Yes, there is a parking lot near the trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Yes, Bridalveil Fall flows year-round. However, the trail can be icy and slippery in winter, so proper footwear and caution are essential.
Yosemite Valley shuttle buses typically stop near Bridalveil Fall, making it accessible without a personal vehicle. Check the current shuttle schedule for operating times and routes.
The drive into Yosemite Valley to reach Bridalveil Fall is scenic. If coming from the west entrance, it's a straightforward drive. Be prepared for potential traffic delays during busy periods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yosemite National Park requires an entrance fee per vehicle. Once inside the park, access to Bridalveil Fall Trail itself is free.
Bridalveil Fall Trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor services and parking lot access may be limited during certain hours or seasons.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Yosemite National Park, which is valid for 7 days. You can purchase it at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
Reservations may be required to enter Yosemite National Park during peak seasons or specific times. It's crucial to check the official Yosemite National Park website for the most current reservation requirements before your visit.
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass covers the entrance fee for all national parks, including Yosemite. This pass is a great option if you plan to visit multiple national parks within a year.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Bridalveil Fall Trail is a short, easy, and paved loop, approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip. It's very accessible for most visitors. 
No, the Bridalveil Fall Trail is considered very easy. It's a flat, paved path suitable for families and those with limited mobility.
Yes, you will likely get wet from the mist, especially when standing closer to the base of the falls. The intensity of the mist varies with the water flow.
Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon offers softer light for photos and fewer crowds. Sunrise can also be spectacular.
Restroom facilities are typically available near the Bridalveil Fall parking area.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire waterfall and its surroundings. Consider a tripod for sharper images, especially in low light. Protect your lens from mist.
Yes, the paved trail leads to the base of the falls, allowing you to get quite close. Be prepared for the spray!
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides beautiful, soft light. Midday can be harsh, but the mist can create interesting effects.
Use a waterproof camera bag or a rain cover for your lens. Wiping your lens frequently with a microfiber cloth is also helpful.
The main viewpoint is at the end of the paved trail. For a broader perspective, consider viewpoints from the Pohono Trail or other elevated spots in Yosemite Valley.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack some snacks and water, and consider visiting early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. The short duration of the walk means it won't tire out younger children, leaving plenty of energy for other Yosemite adventures. It's a perfect introduction to the park's natural wonders.
🚶♀️ Easy Walk Enthusiasts
You'll be rewarded with stunning views of a majestic waterfall just a short stroll from the parking lot. It's a perfect option for those who want to experience Yosemite's beauty without a strenuous hike. Even with its ease, the trail offers a powerful sensory experience. The mist can be quite invigorating, and the roar of the water is impressive. It's a great way to quickly immerse yourself in the grandeur of Yosemite Valley.
📸 Photographers
Bring your wide-angle lens to capture the scale, and a tripod for sharper shots. Most importantly, protect your gear from the persistent mist – a waterproof bag or cover is a must. Timing is crucial for the best light. Aim for sunrise or sunset for that magical golden hour glow.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Bridalveil Fall: A Yosemite Icon
+1The trail to the base of Bridalveil Fall is a short, paved path, making it a popular stop for all visitors. The proximity to the parking area and the ease of the walk mean it's a quick yet rewarding experience. Many visitors describe the feeling of standing near the falls as invigorating, with the mist creating a refreshing, albeit damp, atmosphere.
While the main trail is easy, exploring further into Yosemite Valley offers more challenging hikes and diverse perspectives of this iconic landmark. For those seeking a more comprehensive Yosemite experience, combining a visit to Bridalveil Fall with other valley highlights is highly recommended.
Best Times to Experience the Mist
Summer months, particularly August, see a reduced flow, with the waterfall becoming more of a trickle. However, even a light flow can be beautiful, and the drier conditions mean less mist, which can be preferable for some visitors and better for photography.
Winter visits offer a unique, serene experience. While the flow might be less powerful, the surrounding snow and ice can create a magical, frozen wonderland. Be prepared for icy trails and colder temperatures, and always check conditions before heading out.
Photography Tips for Bridalveil Fall
Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve various effects. A faster shutter speed will freeze the water droplets, highlighting the mist, while a slower shutter speed will create a silky, smooth effect, giving the water a ethereal quality.
For a unique perspective, explore viewpoints from the Pohono Trail or other elevated areas in Yosemite Valley. These vantage points can offer a grander scale of the waterfall within the vastness of the park.
Always be mindful of your surroundings and safety, especially when navigating trails or standing near the water's edge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit