Trail to Bridalveil Fall (Easy)

A short walk will lead you to the base of Bridalveil Fall, allowing you to get an up close view of this often-windswept waterfall.

Plunging 620 feet (189 meters), Bridalveil Fall is the first major waterfall you'll see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; 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. During the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow. Expect icy and very slick conditions in winter. 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.

Overview

• 0.5 mi. (0.8 km) round trip
• 80 feet (24 m) elevation gain

Hours

Year-round

Getting Here

Located in Yosemite Valley at the intersection of Southside Drive and Wawona Road (Highway 41).

Rules & Regulations

• Leashed pets are allowed on this trail.
• Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife.
• Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.).

Hazards & Warnings

• Stay back from the stream. The boulders are treacherously slick. If you fall in, icy water will quickly incapacitate you and the strong currents can batter you to death against the rocks.
• You may store food inside your car (out of sight, with windows completely closed) only during daylight hours. Empty your car of all food, drinks, coolers, toiletries, and trash after dark. Even an empty candy bar wrapper is enough temptation to entice a bear to break into your car. Vehicles containing food after dark may be impounded and/or cited.

Accessibility

The base of Bridalveil Fall is not wheelchair accessible due to its grade.