Are there fees or permits required for Bridal Veil Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Bridal Veil Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bridal Veil Falls.

Live Conditions · 2,480 ft³/s · About average

Bridal Veil Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bridal Veil Falls.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Also For 24 other waterfalls also named Bridal Veil Falls, see below

Shoshone National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

Boston Public Library CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Zugr zugr CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

drewtarvin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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. Access to the falls is served by a short out-and-back trail of 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; the route is generally rated moderate and rewards hikers with a close-up view of the cascade. 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, fed by the North Fork Shoshone River, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back. Reported length: 2.4 miles. Elevation gain: ~350 feet. 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

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

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 1 hour ago Moderate

Based on a USGS gauge 26.1 miles away

2,480 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.8k 2.0k 4.5k 5.9k

Based on 36 years of record

5.39 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average 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.

NORTH FORK SHOSHONE RIVER AT WAPITI, WY

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

Moderate right now

2480 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

2827 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

3129 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

3083 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

2836 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

2503 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

2658 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

2256 cfs

8/10

Best window: Tue — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

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.

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.

This trail sits at 5,358 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 21% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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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