Unfortunately, the parking lot and trail that takes you to Bridal Veil Falls is currently closed for construction. However, I will say that this is one waterfall best viewed from afar. While I typically like to see waterfalls so close you can feel the mist, I have been here before and it is average from the base. The beauty of this waterfall is best view from afar, Tunnel View, Valley View or Hanging Valley viewpoints. At Bridal Veil, it is more than the simple waterfall but the rocks that surround it as well as the bowl shape cut by the glacier that reveals a Half Dome in reverse. Another thing that is better to see from distance is the way the wind can move the waterfall away from the rock. You can see this further way. This is one of the stars of Yosemite Valley. However, don't fret if this is closed when you visit because the beauty is much better seen from a distance.

We visited the first week of August 2020. This time of year, getting to see any water falling is hit and miss (mostly miss). However, we discovered that in the "valley", this waterfall was still flowing. August is the summer time and usually Yosemite Falls and others are bone dry, especially with recent drought years. Bridalveil, fortunately has a different water source and here you can enjoy the view. Normally, one can walk a short distance and get a closer view. During our visit, this was hampered by "restoration work". So, you couldn't walk further or closer than a short distance. Still, it's a nice view if you walk as close as you can. It's just off the valley road.

After seeing the falls from tunnel view, it was nice to get close to them. We walked a short distance on a paved path to get closer and then hiked a short distance over rocks and trees to get close to the falls and feel the spray. Since this didn’t take more than 20-30 minutes, I would highly recommend. The falls were gushing this time of year.

when we visited the park in mid june of 2021 the parking area for Bridal Veil Fall was closed due to maintenance. there wasn't any parking to be found. the parking area for swinging bridge was packed and people were double parking in the area. we didn't get to hike to this fall

These waters cascade more than 600 feet down a sheer rock surface. They are very high up, and the wind currents there blow the falling waters into a fine mist. The Native Americans called this the “Spirit of the Puffing Wind”. When the sun shines down on the water at the right angle, people can even see a rainbow. We saw a very light one, and even that was very eerily beautiful. This Waterfall is distinguished from other Falls by the formation of the rocks that looks like a dolphin’s Head bobbing up and looking towards the sky. The people park right along the road side, just to make a quick stop to click a few photos. We also did that, and then hurried ahead knowing that better sites were coming up inside the park. Worth a look, for sure.

This is a stunning waterfall that is a must see and do on your bucket list. We recently traveled to Yosemite national park and wanted to see all the waterfalls throughout the park. California had a very rainy and snowy winter, above average, so going there in early June was the perfect time to see Bridalveil Falls. The snow was melting at such a high clip, that the water flow was massive and roaring with no stopping insight. We got excelling videos and pictures. The waterfalls look like a bridal veil, thus the name.

As of our visit on September 13th, the water is flowing and you can still hike up to the base of the falls. There's some restoration work going on in the area, but it didn't hamper us at all. The main deterrent right now is the smoke, which is off and on going from a little foggy to nightfall at noon. I can't wait to go back someday without the fires hampering views.

Bridal Veil is best in June. Bring a plastic bag to wear. The mist will soak you. And wear sturdy non-slip shoes as the rocks are wet. Sadly, some people don't feel they have to pick up their trash. Be a good do bee and bring a trash bag to pick up litter. Not enough rangers to do that efficiently on the trails. I have my kids do the same when we hike anywhere. We do it on our way back unless we see a pile of trash. Then we stop and pick it up. People on tour buses are the worst. I think they view our National parks like Disneyland where there are people to pick up after you. I guess they are right because my family picks up their trash. Maybe the tour opporators should say something to the tourists with them.

The trail to the falls remains closed, but you can view them from Valley View, Tunnel View and from pull-overs on the road in the western end of the Valley. From those viewpoints, it remains a very impressive sight. We were there mid to late August and the flow was good but the caveats are that record snow levels in winter 2023 meant that waterfall flows were higher than normal for August and we also had just had the flow boosted by rain from Storm Hilary, so what I saw was a flow that exceeded what is typical for August.

A beautiful waterfall! Catch it in the right light and it can look like a firefall. It is a short and easy hike to the viewing area. The fall is very beautiful and you will probably get hit with the spray and mist of it. This is especially nice on a hot day. Beware: don’t go beyond the railings. Many have been injured and a couple even killed climbing over the rocks( wet polished granite with moss). It is perfectly safe and enjoyable from the viewing area. Unfortunately this year (2020) the parking lot and trail are closed. The fall can be seen from the road or at other points in the valley.