Bridal Veil Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (North Fork Shoshone River) · 199 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Bridal Veil Falls

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Shoshone National Forest NF · US Forest Service
Photo Credits (5)
1.
U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS
2.
U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS
3.
Boston Public Library CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
4.
Zugr zugr CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
5.
drewtarvin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

About Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is a scenic waterfall set within Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The site offers an appealing combination of forested surroundings and the steady cascade of the falls, making it a pleasant destination for day hikers and photographers looking to experience a classic mountain waterfall without committing to a multi-day trip. For those planning an overnight stay, the nearest Forest Service campground is Island Lake Campground, about 19 km away.

The Setting

Bridal Veil Falls sits at 5,358 feet within Shoshone National Forest, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Bridal Veil Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back. Reported length: 2.4 miles. Difficulty: moderate. Surface, grade, and official USFS trail class are not specified in the provided USFS data. Trail follows forested terrain in Shoshone National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bridal Veil Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Bridal Veil Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Shoshone National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of traffic along the highway when stopping to view the falls. Avoid climbing on rocks near the falls, as they may be slippery and dangerous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Fork Shoshone River, 26.1 miles away, not on Bridal Veil Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

199 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 37 years of record

3.15 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

USGS 06279940
26.1 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 700 sq mi
Altitude: 5,544 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NORTH FORK SHOSHONE RIVER AT WAPITI, WY (42 km away).

Moderate confidence
Barely Flowing right now
199 cfs
→ Holding steady
3333333TodayTomorrowTueWedThuFriSat

Today

Barely Flowing

199 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

191 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

185 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

175 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

174 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

173 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

173 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Red Lodge hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Bridal Veil Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Bridal Veil Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 48°F.

Days below freezing
0 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
0 of the next 7
Flow
199 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Wyoming.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Bridal Veil Falls is located along Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US Highway 14A). The waterfall is visible from the road, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area along the highway near the falls, but it may fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Elevation

5,358 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.844812° N, -109.341254° W

Land Management

Shoshone National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Be cautious of traffic along the highway when stopping to view the falls.

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Island Lake Campground

11.8 miles away · 0 sites

This beautiful high mountain lake campground has 21 newly remodeled sites. There is always plenty to do at this campground; hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and beautiful wildflowers galore. 16-day stay limitWater: AvailableThis site is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.No cell serviceNotes: Maximum spur 32 feet. Boat ramp closed until winter ice clears.Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing avail

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Roughlock Falls, and Devil's Bathtub hiking trail.

Wildlife

Visitors may spot deer, birds, and other wildlife in the surrounding area.

Cities near Bridal Veil Falls

Cody - Waterfall Hikes 27.9 miles away

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