Hi, if you are new here, I’m Ellie, one of the founders of The Wildernest Collection. My husband and I were married in Sequoia National Park, and since then, we have always come back to nature whenever we need to unwind and reconnect with each other. In 2025 we purchased a 70 year old cabin in Wawona, nestled deep within Yosemite National Park. We spent the following 8 months renovating it, and now enjoying the beauty of Yosemite, literally in our backyard.
Recently my parents were visiting from New York, and we took them for a leisurely 2-day experience of Yosemite. After a quick drive from The Wildernest, we stopped at the Wawona Tunnel, and headed over the Bridalveil Fall, which is only a few minutes away.
Bridalveil Fall is one of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls, plunging 620 feet into the Valley and often creating delicate mist that swirls in the breeze. Fun Fact: It’s called Bridalveil because when the wind blows, the mist spreads out into a fine spray that looks like a delicate bridal veil floating in the air.
Distance: 0.5 mi (0.8 km) round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 80 ft (24 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 20 minutes
Begin at: Bridalveil Fall Parking Area
There isn’t a shuttle to Bridalveil Fall, so you’ll want to make this stop before you head further into Yosemite Valley where you can take shuttles to various sights. Parking is available here, though it can still be tricky during peak season. The trailhead has a nicely maintained and large bathroom facility, as well as water bottle filling stations. The trail itself is quite short and easy for families.
The water is at its peak in spring and early summer, so it was on the lighter side during our visit in October. The kids loved climbing all the boulders and we made it close to the base of the falls. Note that in the winter times, this area can get icy and slick, so climbing these boulders may not be an option, and during Spring/Summer, the water may be too strong to go all the way.
The kids could have spent all day here climbing and exploring - we encourage our kids to do dangerous things, safely :-) No one got hurt or fell into the water, and we all had a great time!
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Bridalveil Fall hike?
It's a short, easy walk: about 0.5 miles round trip with roughly 80 feet of elevation gain, and it takes around 20 minutes, according to the Park Service. The trail is paved, and the western trail to the base is wheelchair accessible.
Does Bridalveil Fall flow all year?
Yes. It flows year-round, strongest in spring and early summer, when the spray can soak you. In fall the flow is lighter and gentler.
Is there parking or a shuttle at Bridalveil Fall?
There's a parking area at the trailhead, reached from Wawona Road (Highway 41) or Southside Drive. It fills quickly in summer, and the Valley shuttle doesn't stop here, so it's easiest to visit on your way into the Valley.
Is it safe to climb the rocks at Bridalveil Fall?
Take care. The Park Service warns that the rocks and boulders above the viewing platform are slippery even when dry and asks visitors to stay on the paved trail. In winter the area can be icy and very slick.
