Bridalveil Fall - Yosemite Valley Family-Friendly Trail
Hi friends and welcome to another waterfall adventure in Yosemite National Park. I recently took a Spring road trip to witness the raging waterfalls this year, and I hiked the newly renovated path to the base of one of the most iconic and photographed waterfalls in Yosemite. Join me on a misty and magical family-friendly hike to the base of Bridalveil Fall.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 0.5 miles RT
• Elevation Change: 80 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park
Location
Often mistaken as Yosemite Falls by first-time visitors, Bridalveil Fall is the first major waterfall you see when entering the Yosemite Valley. There are two main trailheads for park visitors looking to hike to the base of the fall: along Southside Drive and the newly constructed parking lot along Wawona Road/Hwy-41. Both offer convenient and easy access, but parking can fill up quickly by late morning depending on the season...so I’d highly recommend a visit early in the morning and on weekdays.
Bridalveil Fall Trail in Yosemite National Park
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Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan & Half Dome seen from Tunnel View in Spring
Bridalveil Fall
At a towering height of 620 feet, Bridalveil Fall is a majestic sight to behold. Named for its resemblance to a bride's veil, this iconic waterfall cascades down the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley below the majestic Cathedral Rocks. Spring-fed by melting snow, Bridalveil Fall puts on its most impressive display during the Spring and early Summer months when the water rages, creating a thunderous roar that resonates through the valley. Popular spots to view Bridalveil Fall include Tunnel View and Valley View, where you can capture postcard-perfect photos of this natural wonder against the backdrop of Yosemite's iconic landmarks.
El Capitan & Ribbon Fall seen from Southside Drive Bridalveil Fall Trailhead
Bridalveil Creek along Bridalveil Fall Trail
Boardwalk along Bridalveil Fall Trail in Yosemite National Park
Hiking the Trail
The trail to Bridalveil Fall has recently undergone renovations, making it more accessible for visitors of all abilities. Each trailhead provides a unique path to the base of the fall, and I’d highly recommend exploring both sections. Both trails gently wind through the forest, crossing Bridalveil Creek and its different forks before they spill into the Merced River. There are multiple viewpoints along the paths where forest breaks, creating a beautiful wooded frame of this iconic Yosemite waterfall. Near the Southside Drive trailhead, you’ll also find wonderful views of El Capitan and Ribbon Fall across the valley. Another fun thing to look out for is the “Hidden Snoopy” on the granite wall to the right of the fall...do you see it in the picture below?
As you near the base of the fall, the roar of rushing water grows louder, building anticipation for the breathtaking sight ahead. You'll soon discover a newly constructed viewing platform with unobstructed views of Bridalveil Fall in all its glory as it crashes down on the rock pile below. Feel the power of nature as the mist envelops you, providing relief from the warmth of the sun. Be sure to take your time soaking in the sights and sounds of this natural wonder before making your way back along the trail.
“Hidden Snoopy” on the granite wall near Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall viewing platform in Yosemite Valley
Best Times to Visit
For the most awe-inspiring experience, plan your visit to Bridalveil Fall during the spring and early summer months when the waterfall is at its peak flow. Be prepared to get wet from the mist, and not just at the viewing platform...depending on the breeze and water flow, sections of the trail from the Wawona Road parking lot can get quite wet. Don't forget to bring along a waterproof jacket and hiking shoes with good traction to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable excursion.
By late Summer and Autumn, Bridalveil Creek & Fall can reduce to a trickle, but the Fall colors, particularly at the trailhead along Southside Drive, can be quite stunning. During Winter, the path can become icy, especially since this side of the valley can be in shade for much of the day...however, the snowy scenes here are magical.
Bridalveil Fall seen from Southside Drive Trailhead
Know Before You Go
• For more information on the many waterfalls found in this national park, check out my Complete Guide to Yosemite Waterfalls.
• Spring in Yosemite is beautiful, but the rivers and streams inside the park can run very high. Please do not enter or approach the water’s edge, as the currents can be incredibly dangerous. Recreate responsibly by staying on the designated trails and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge as you adventure.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• This is black bear country. Bears and other wildlife can be present on trails at any time of the day or night. Feeding and approaching wildlife is dangerous and illegal. Make sure to properly store your food...bear canisters can be found at the Wawona Road parking lot.
• Restrooms, bear canisters, and trash cans can be found at the Wawona Road parking lot.
• Please refrain from climbing up on the rocks at the base of Bridalveil Fall...it is extremely dangerous, as injuries and emergency rescues are sadly common here.
• Be prepared for sudden and sometimes hazardous changes in weather and trail conditions, especially during the Spring season...rock falls are common around waterfalls and the granite can become very slippery.
• If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Yosemite, it’s incredibly important to visit the official Yosemite NPS website prior to your trip for the most up-to-date park information, as conditions and closures may be changing daily due to rock falls and/or flooding.
Top 10 Yosemite Waterfall Hikes
Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite Valley during Spring
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of the Bridalveil Fall Trail, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Bridalveil Fall Creek along Bridalveil Fall Trail
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Etsy Shop
Wondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.