What to expect at Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park, California. Hiking trail info, where to get the best photography, and so much more!

Located in Yosemite National Park Bridalveil Fall is one of the most popular sites within the park. This 620 feet (189 meters) waterfall can be seen from Tunnel View and has a great walking trail to the base of it.

It was named Bridalveil because when the wind gusts it can fan out the waterfalls lower portion giving it the look of a white, lacy veil.

The Ahwahneechee called this falls the Pohono which meant Spirit of the Puffing Wind.

Whether you are spending one day in Yosemite or a few days this is a site you do not want to miss.

Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park California

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Bridalveil Fall - Yosemite National Park

The falls are truly epic from April to June when melting snow creates epic runoff. If you are visiting during this time you will want to be prepared to get WET!

We walked out to the falls in April and even from a safe distance for the base of the falls we were soaked from the mist. It was honestly amazing to see how much water was crashing down from the falls.

Make sure to wear shoes that have good traction and clothes you don't mind getting wet. We brought this camera cover and wished we would have also brought something to cover the lens in between photos. We ended up walking closer with our phones and keeping the camera covered it was so wet.

One of the best things about this waterfall is it flows year-round! Even in the fall and winter, there is normally some water flowing over the top.

Keep an eye out for rainbows at the base of the falls during the afternoon. The sun hits perfectly to create rainbows in the mist of the waterfall which can make epic photos.

I do have to mention that Bridalveil Fall is one of the most popular spots in the park! You can expect to see multiple large tour buses pulled over on the southside drive along the side of the road and hundreds of people trying to get the best Instagram photo in the world.

While Yosemite Falls get a ton of focus you honestly do not want to miss Bridalveil Fall! It is worth dealing with a little crazy in the parking area to check out this epic spot.

Best views of Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite

BridalVeil Fall Parking Lot

I love taking pictures of the falls from the parking lot especially when the trees have a ton of green and frame the falls. Plus you don't have to get wet and can easily move around for different photos. KEEP AN EYE OUT for cars though!

Always remember that people are staring in awe at a 620-foot waterfall and may forget to look down and actually pay attention to the parking lot.

Tunnel View

The view of Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View is honestly just plain epic! You can see not only Bridalveil Falls but also El Capitan, Half Dome, and the entire valley!

Across the Merced River

There is a great pull-off that gives you the perfect shot of Bridalveil Fall with the Merced River in the foreground.

Bridalveil Fall Trail/Walking Path

Length: ½ mile, round-trip

Elevation Gain: Approximately 80 ft (24 m)

Trail surface: Paved from the parking lot, be prepared for it to be wet especially during the spring and icy in the winter.

ADA/Wheelchair Accessibility: The trail is accessible but there is a steep portion towards the end if you want to reach the base of Bridalveil Fall.

The trail splits into two different viewing platforms. You can walk up to the base of the falls or go to a lower viewing point that crosses Bridalveil Creek to give you a different perspective of the falls.

Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project

The National Park Service is working to update the area surrounding Bridalveil Fall. You can expect to see construction during your visit right now.

The updates will include new flush toilet bathrooms (YEAH), more accessible trails, and updating the parking lot with more spaces.

Bridalveil Fall loop trail is being reconstructed and redesigned to link the parking lot, historic carriage road, and vista point so visitors can enjoy the falls without any distractions.

BridalVeil Falls Travel Tips

Parking: There is a fairly good size parking lot near the trailhead. It is a one-way circle so plan to spend some time in line as people wait for parking spaces to open up. We have always been able to get a parking space it just might take a few minutes.

Bathrooms: There is a bathroom near the trailhead with four separate bathroom stalls. I will say that for some reason this bathroom has been quite smelly at different times. I would suggest using the bathroom before walking to the falls. The sound of the water in the creek can make a slight urge to use the bathroom feel urgent by the time you get back and have to wait in line.

Water: There is currently no water available at the trailhead. You will want to bring water with you. Even though the trail is short it can get hot and super busy. It is better to be prepared and have water with you.

-If you are visiting in the spring make sure you have shoes that can get wet.

-Wear layers that can get wet

The falls is also known as

Pohono
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridalveil Waterfall

Bridalveil Fall Photography

Best Months for photos - Late March to June for rushing water

During spring a rainbow can stretch across the falls late in the afternoon. It becomes visible at the base of the falls and then moves up as the sun sinks.

You will need a wide-angle lens to fit the entire waterfall into one photo

If you are visiting in the Spring you will want to bring a camera cover and lens wipes. You can get soaked from the spray!

Take photos from the parking lot as you pull in. They look amazing!

Camera Gear we use

We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.

Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.

Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.

Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.

Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.

Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.

Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards

Safety

I would not be a very good park ranger if I did not take a few minutes to talk about safety!

Please be careful on the wet trail and near the base of the falls. The trail can be very slippery and it is easy to slip without meaning to.

Please DO NOT climb on the rocks that are in the river. I know that they look like they should provide an epic view of the falls but they are also slippery, potentially covered in moss and other slippery substances and people fall from them often.

The last thing you want on your Yosemite vacation is to have to rescued and taken to the medical clinic or medivac helicoptered out of the park.

There are a ton of great viewpoints of the falls without having to climb on the rocks or get off the main trail. Your safety is more important than tempting wet slippery rocks.

I will take my flat hat off now and wish you an amazing trip to Yosemite National Park! It is an epic national park and truly one of my favorite places in the world.

Directions/How to get to Bridalveil Fall

Drive 1.5 miles east into Yosemite Valley on Highway 41 from Tunnel View overlook.

From Yosemite Valley, take Highway 140 to the intersection with Highway 41. Turn right and make an immediate left into the parking area for Bridalveil Fall.

Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources

Lodges In Yosemite National Park

Ahwahnee Hotel
🏨Ready to Book the Ahwahnee Hotel -> Click Here

The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.

Yosemite Valley Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Yosemite Valley Lodge -> Click Here

The Yosemite Valley Lodge is located in the heart of Yosemite National Park and is located close to Yosemite Falls making it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.

Wawona Hotel
🏨Ready to Book the Wawona Hotel -> Click Here

(Currently Closed for repairs). Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.

Curry Village Tent Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Curry Village Cabins -> Click Here

The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley.

Lodges near Yosemite National Park

There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Here is a few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst:

Chateau du Sureau
🏨Ready to Book the Chateau du Sureau -> Click Here

Exceptional 5-star luxury accommodations south of Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfast, feww WIFI, pet friendly, air conditioning and much more! Also has an incredible restaurant o-site and a spa!

The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
🏨Ready to Book The Pines Resort -> Click Here

Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!

Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
🏨Ready to Book the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn -> Click Here

At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
🏨Ready to Book The Tenaya Lodge -> Click Here

4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa

Yosemite National Park Tours

California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:

Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
Death Valley's Unique Geology
Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters

Private Full-Day Fly Fishing for Beginners and Experienced Anglers
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🎣 Check Rates and Availability

Here is your chance to enjoy fly fishing in Yosemite with your private guide! This full-day adventure (Approx. 8 hours) is where you can fish the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Golden Trout on the catch-and-release excursion. The tour includes:

all fly fishing gear, fishing license, Peak Season Reservation, and entrance fees
round-trip transportation from Yosemite Valley or Groveland
snacks/lunch

Private Family Hike in Yosemite
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-6 Hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability

Experience the monumental scenery of Yosemite on a guided, half-day hike designed especially for families. Choose from a beginning to moderate hike to suit your family's experience level, and embark on a series of trails that wind through the famous natural attractions of either Yosemite Valley or the high country. Enjoy Spectacular views from on of America's favorite National Parks, and stop for a scenic picnic near a stream, lake, or meadow.

4 Days Guided Yosemite Half Dome Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 Days | 🥾Check Rates and Availability

Ready to turn your bucketlist into a brag list? This 4 day Yosemite adventure takes you from secret swimming holes to the iconic half-dome cables without the crowds or the chaos. Every detail is covered, from wilderness permits to those elusive Half Dome Spots. Just bring your personal camping gear including a tent, sleping bag & pad, and headlamp. A full packing list will be provided after you register. With expert guides, chef-style meals, and starry skies, you'll hike, relax, and conquer like a pro!

Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$0.00 for Education/Academic Group

$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

$45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Yosemite National Park Peak-Hours Reservation Required

A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM on dates in 2025 listed below:

May 24 - May 26 (Saturday-Monday)
June 15 - August 15 (Daily)
August 30 -September 1) (Saturday - Monday)

During the dates listed above, visitors can enter Yosemite with either of the following:

Peak Hours Reservation are available through Recreation.gov
- (Click here to get your Peak Hours Reservation) or by calling (877)444-6777
Wilderness or Half Dome permit
In-Park camping including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Hogdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds.
In-Park Lodging including Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and High Sierra Camps.
In-Park Vacation Rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta.
Regional transit ot tour group

Additional Peak Hours Reservation information:

Reservations for all dates were released on May 6, 2025
Additional Reservations are available on recreation.gov seven days before the arrival date at 8:00 AM PDT.
There is a $2.00 Non-Refundable fee (This does not include the park's entry fee requirement)
Each visitor can make one reservation for each three day period. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show photo ID at the entrance station.
Peak Hours Reservations are good for three consecutive days (Including arrival date)
You can visit the Hetch Hetchy area of the park when it is open (sunrise to sunset) without a reservation.