Bridalveil Fall
California • Yosemite National Park • 620 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
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).
Trail & Hike Details
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 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
2,040 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 109 years of record
5.90 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
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
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 MapsParking
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
4436 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.716594° N, -119.646833° W
Land Management
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
Yosemite View Lodge
Big Creek Inn
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
Tenaya at Yosemite
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
4.0 miles away · 110 sites
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.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Yosemite Valley, California
Reds Meadow Hot Springs
Reds Meadow Hot Springs flows at an impressive 115°F high in the Eastern Sierra at 7,638 feet elevation, delivering water 72 de...
Fumaroles
Fumaroles vent superheated steam high in the Sierra at 8,167 feet, where the geothermal system expresses itself through mountai...
Unnamed Spring Mono County 7
This 97-degree thermal spring sits at 8,159 feet elevation within Inyo National Forest, running an extraordinary 56.7 degrees a...
Unnamed Spring Mono County 2
At 7,313 feet elevation, this 72-degree thermal spring near Mammoth Lakes flows just 45 meters from El Camino Sierra Road in ha...
Casa Diablo Hot Springs And Geyser
Casa Diablo Hot Springs and Geyser erupts at 199 degrees Fahrenheit—one of California's most extreme geothermal features. Locat...
Unnamed Spring Mono County 5
This 72-degree thermal spring near Bridgeport sits at 6,383 feet elevation, requiring a short 160-meter walk from the road in M...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Yosemite Valley, California on SoakingSprings.
Explore California springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Tunnel View, all located within Yosemite Valley.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds. Bears are present in Yosemite, so proper food storage is essential.
Cities near Bridalveil Fall
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Bridalveil Fall? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.