Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Falls
4.5
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Landmark waterfall located in Yosemite.
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- Grover RPensacola, Florida17,995 contributionsClosed Up Close but Best Viewed from AfarUnfortunately, 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.Visited March 2022Written April 27, 2022
- johnnnitaNapa, California2,470 contributionsTHE WATER IS FALLING AT BRIDALVEIL EARLY AUGUSTWe 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.Visited August 2020Written September 5, 2020
- Sarah OMexico, Missouri64 contributionsFeel the MistAfter 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.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2023
- koabugHonolulu, Hawaii1,622 contributionsparking lot is closed due to maintenancewhen 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 fallVisited June 2021Written July 3, 2021
- TheExplorerFamilySomerset, New Jersey6,433 contributionsAn Iconic WaterfallThese 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.Visited June 2022Written July 18, 2022
- DannyWassermanVirginia Beach, Virginia4,220 contributionsBridalveil Falls was roaring and loud!!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.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 26, 2023
- David S8 contributionsBeautiful, but beware the smokeAs 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.Visited September 2020Written September 17, 2020
- Dawn MBarriere, Canada14 contributionsMisty Bridal Veil is best in JuneBridal 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.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 12, 2023
- WaddlerYork, United Kingdom10,061 contributionsCentrepiece of some classic Yosemite viewsThe 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.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 7, 2023
- Anthony D6 contributionsBeautiful Waterfall !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.Visited August 2020Traveled with familyWritten August 15, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Waddler
York, UK10,061 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
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.
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.
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn M
Barriere, Canada14 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
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.
Written July 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DannyWasserman
Virginia Beach, VA4,220 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
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.
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah O
Mexico, MO64 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
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.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa H
Tuolumne, CA59 contributions
May 2022 • Family
These falls are spectacular. The trail is slippery, even in the summer. WEAR GOOD SHOES!!! Be prepared. If you are not in good shape, you may struggle. It is a mostly vertical trail. I'm in my 60s and in pretty good shape, and it was a tough climb.
Written April 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Balasubramanian R
Chennai (Madras), India732 contributions
Oct 2022
Bridalveil falls is located in the Yosemite valley and it is most prominent fall in the valley. Tourist can see the fall while entering the Yosemite valley
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan H
Tacoma, WA2,617 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Check the Yosemite website before planning to visit this falls. Sadly, the area is currently closed for construction. FYI There is a lot of construction currently throughout the entire park.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheExplorerFamily
Somerset, NJ6,433 contributions
Jun 2022
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.
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.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State100,342 contributions
Jun 2022
There are two great viewpoints to admire Bridalveil Fall, but they’re across the river on Northside Drive. We tried the Hanging Valley viewpoint first which had an unobstructed view. Another day we stopped at the Valley View where the river in the foreground looked better, but the waterfall view was sort of from the side.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BT3rd
Datchet, UK5,848 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Park on the valley floor. The parking is directly under El Capitan. From there we walked to the falls in five minutes. We also saw the falls from Tunnel View.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
westwoodlc
Los Angeles, CA
what stream does the water from yosemitie's bridal veil falls enter ?
Yamagobo
Warrenton, OR29 contributions
It's fed by the Merced River.
Megachristo
Coral Springs, FL5 contributions
Can I get to the entrance to the short hike to the falls if I don't have a car? Looks like the park shuttle does not go there. Thank you!
Sandman365
Texas65 contributions
Yes
stan c
Concord, NC4 contributions
Since I only have one day are these falls near other sites? We will have a car. Other waterfalls preferably. Thanks
Yamagobo
Warrenton, OR29 contributions
If you only have a full day, I'd recommend Tunnel View and Glacier Point. You can see quite a bit from these two areas. Check the National Park Service website for Yosemite Viewpoints since this site will not allow me to include links.
stan c
Concord, NC4 contributions
I'm visiting Yosemite in early May. will only have one day. Can anyone recommend falls to see for an elderly couple who walk 30 minutes daily for exercise. We will have a car. Thanks
MD
Flitwick, UK149 contributions
Yosemite falls is a good walk, you can park in the little village and it's about a 30 minute walk each way. it's not too hilly and is pleasant!
Pranav K
New York City, NY1 contribution
Is it allowed to trek in the national park? Can we see this waterfall on foot? And what time of the year will the waterfall be strong? Because I reckon that the rainbow will appear when there is a lot of water, right?
PacificNWFamily
Washington State100,342 contributions
Hi
Please ask on the TripAdvisor travel forum for Yosemite.
Bridalveil Fall is a very short walk from the parking area. Peak flow is usually late May or early June.
I don't know what "trek" means to you. When you post on the forum, share more information about what you'd like to do in Yosemite National Park.
TourGB14
Central Florida, FL175 contributions
Visiting in a couple of weeks. Any water flowing at all at Bridalveil now? Or has it stopped completely?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bridalveil Falls
- We recommend booking Bridalveil Falls tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 25 Bridalveil Falls tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Bridalveil Falls:
- Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco (From $219.00)
- Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco (From $219.00)
- Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias 2-Day Semi-Guided Tour (From $279.00)
- Yosemite National Park - Full Day Tour from San Francisco (From $199.00)
- Yosemite Valley Private Hiking Tour (From $350.00)
- Hotels near Bridalveil Falls:
- (6.97 mi) Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn
- (6.19 mi) Yosemite West High Sierra Bed and Breakfast
- (4.10 mi) Housekeeping Camp
- (4.25 mi) Yosemite High Sierra Camps
- (4.50 mi) The Ahwahnee
- Restaurants near Bridalveil Falls:
- (3.26 mi) Mountain Room Restaurant
- (4.49 mi) The Ahwahnee Dining Room
- (4.02 mi) Degnan's Kitchen
- (4.43 mi) Curry Village Dining Pizza Deck
- (4.53 mi) Ahwahnee Hotel Bar
Bridalveil Falls Information
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