Bridal Veil Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
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 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
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NORTH FORK SHOSHONE RIVER AT WAPITI, WY (42 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
199 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
191 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
185 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
175 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
174 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
173 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
173 cfs
5/10Best 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 agoNot 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 MapsParking
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
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 TrailUV 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.
Where to Stay
The Cody
Hampton Inn & Suites Cody, Wy
Kings Inn Cody
Big Bear Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
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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
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