Bridalveil Falls Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

A short out and back to one of Yosemite's most astonishing and accessible destinations - Bridalveil Falls.

Drinking water is not available at the trailhead, base of the waterfall, or parking area. Restrooms are available in the parking area. Parking is available at the trailhead, accessible from the Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41) or Southside Drive. The parking area often fills up quickly in summer and, while there is a lot of turnover, traffic jams are common when getting in and out of this parking lot. Another option is to drive a little further east on Southside Drive into Yosemite Valley (a few hundred yards), where you'll find parking on either side of the road with a different trail option. This trail is a bit longeran additional 0.25 miles (0.4 km), crosses Bridalveil Creek, and showcases different views of Bridalveil Fall as you approach the main parking area.

This is an exceedingly popular destination. Coupled with its short length, this trail has the recipe to be VERY crowded. Don't plan on setting any PRs if running here!

Plunging 620 feet (189 meters), Bridalveil Falls is often the first waterfall you'll see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; during the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow. A paved trail leads from the parking area to the base of this waterfall, which flows year-round. Although paved, this is trail is not wheelchair accessible due to its grade.

The trail to Bridalveil Falls is open year-round. When the water is at its peak in spring and early summer, you can expect to get wet! In some cases the spray is so strong, you may not even be able to easily access the end of the trail. Expect icy and very slick conditions in winter.

The real highlight of this trail is the massive waterfall at its terminus. That said, you can't help but revel in the beauty of your natural surroundings here.