Is swimming allowed at Bridalveil Fall?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bridalveil Fall.

Live Conditions · 17 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Bridalveil Fall

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bridalveil Fall?

No, dogs are not allowed at Bridalveil Fall.

California • Yosemite National Park • 620 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

kittell CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Matt Peoples CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Kwong Yee Cheng CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

CaptSpaulding CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

buzzbo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

80 ft

About Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall is one of Yosemite National Park's most iconic waterfalls, known for its stunning 620-foot drop and the mist that often creates rainbows at its base. It flows year-round but is most impressive in the spring when snowmelt is at its peak.

The Setting

Bridalveil Fall sits at 4,436 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the mountains of California. At 620 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 620 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sentinel Fall (1920 ft) lies 2.8 miles to the east. Also nearby: Ribbon Fall (1612 ft, 1.3 mi) and Silver Strand Falls (574 ft, 1.5 mi).

Sentinel Fall Ribbon Fall Silver Strand Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.5 mi distance 80 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 80 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Bridalveil Fall is a short, paved path that leads visitors to the base of the waterfall. It is relatively flat with a slight incline near the end, making it accessible for most visitors. The trail can be slippery due to mist, especially in spring and early summer.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 620 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bridalveil Fall?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bridalveil Fall?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring is the best time to visit Bridalveil Fall, as the snowmelt creates a powerful flow. Summer offers easier access but with reduced water flow. Fall and winter provide quieter experiences, though the waterfall may be less dramatic.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery due to mist, especially in spring and early summer. Visitors should stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall, as they can be extremely slippery and dangerous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

17 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

14 18 48 102

Based on 109 years of record

1.01 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

MERCED R A POHONO BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11266500

1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 321 sq mi

Altitude: 3,865 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MERCED R A POHONO BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

17 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

18 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

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

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

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 Yosemite Valley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows Bridalveil Fall dropping about 884 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 620 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 4,365 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 56 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 187 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bridalveil Fall near Yosemite Valley, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bridalveil Fall near Yosemite Valley, California, showing about 884 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 4,365 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 884 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Bridalveil Fall is located in Yosemite Valley, California, and is easily accessible via Wawona Road (Highway 41). It is one of the first major waterfalls visitors encounter when entering Yosemite Valley.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near Bridalveil Fall, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Overflow parking may be available nearby.

Elevation

4,436 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.716594° N, -119.646833° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak seasons. Wear waterproof clothing or bring a poncho if visiting in spring or early summer, as the mist can be intense. The trail can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes with good traction.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.5 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

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

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

Nearby Campground

Bridalveil Creek Campground

4 miles away · 110 sites

Reservable

Overview Bridalveil Creek Campground is closed for the 2025 season.Staying at Bridalveil Creek Campground requires reservations. There are no first come, first served sites available.Bridalveil Creek is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is situated on Glacier Point Road at an elevation of 7,200 feet, 26 miles from Yosemite Valley. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valley

Book on Recreation.gov