Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall (that’s right, they omit the “s” from Bridalveil Falls) is one of the iconic waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. It left such an impression on us that we gave it a spot on our Top 10 Waterfalls in the USA List.

The Gates of Yosemite scene where this falls stands opposite the mouth of Yosemite Valley to El Capitan is often what comes to our minds (and just about everyone else’s) when we think about Yosemite National Park. This scene even graces the park entrance signs, where you’ll undoubtedly find someone taking that “I was there” photo right in front of such signs.

Indeed, ever since the landscape photographer Ansel Adams captured and immortalized the “Gates of Yosemite,” it was probably instrumental in making Bridalveil Fall one of the most (if not the most) photographed waterfalls in the park!

The waterfall is said to be 620ft height and is one of the few waterfalls in the park that flows year-round. Even though its drainage is much smaller than that of Yosemite Falls (which doesn’t flow year-round), this waterfall has a more lush and shaded drainage which keeps Bridalveil Creek flowing and thus keeps the waterfall flowing.

We’ve seen this waterfall almost every time we visit Yosemite National Park. So we’ve seen it in various forms and moods whether it glows softly with the setting sun or the waterfall rages so powerfully with the Spring snowmelt that it generates its own wind and microweather. In fact, the Native Americans here called the waterfall “Pohono” which is said to translate into something like puffing or evil wind.

Furthermore, we’ve managed to experience this waterfall in a variety of ways. So instead of directing you to a particular spot, we’ll give you directions and descriptions to each of those various ways to see Bridalveil Fall. That way, you can choose how you want to experience it.