Bridalveil Fall | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Bridalveil Fall is perhaps the most famous waterfall in North America that isn't named Niagara. Punctuating the first sprawling views of Yosemite Valley regardless of the point of entrance to Yosemite Park, Bridalveil Fall dashes 620 feet over an undercut ledge framed by the Cathedral Rocks above and the massive face of El Capitan across the valley, with the instantly recognizable Half Dome looming at the end of the valley in between.

Bridalveil Fall is not only one of the most famous of Yosemite's waterfalls, but it is also among the most consistent. Unlike the much taller waterfalls on the north side of the valley, Bridalveil Fall flows all year long (with extreme drought years perhaps as the exception) thanks to a large basin with lakes, marshes and meadows to help retain groundwater late into the summer. This prevalence of soil is not seen in the basins of Yosemite, Snow or Tenaya Creeks to the north, despite their similar sizes, and as a result all three streams can effectively run dry late in the summer while Bridalveil continues flowing.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Also Known as: Pohono, Bridal Veil Falls
Bridalveil Fall is the Official name of this waterfall

Considering its prominence in the valley, Bridalveil Fall was almost certainly discovered by non-natives during the March 1851 expedition of the Mariposa Battalion into Yosemite Valley, an effort which was credited with making know the wonders of Yosemite. The Indian name of the fall was Po-ho-no, which was thought to be that of a plant which grew (or grows) in the Bridalveil Creek drainage. Who was responsible for the current name of the falls seems to be in question, as James Hutchings and Thomas Ayres were have said to coined the name together, while Lafayette Bunnell suggested the name was proposed by Warren Baer, the then editor of the Mariposa Democrat newspaper. We should specifically note that the proper name is indeed spelled Bridalveil Fall, without a space between bridal and veil, and without the trailing "s" in Fall.

Our thoughts

Bridalveil Fall isn't a flashy waterfall and it isn't an overly unique waterfall, but it is certainly impressive. First time visitors to Yosemite often confuse Bridalveil Fall for Yosemite Falls simply because of its grandeur and visibility. While Yosemite Falls is four times as tall, its understandable how Bridalveil can inspire such mixups.

Location and directions

The parking are for Bridalveil Fall is located 6.4 miles from the Arch Rock entrance station along Highway 140, or about 300 feet east of the junction of the Southside Drive and Wawona Road (Highway 41) in Yosemite National Park. The trail to the base of the falls takes about 5 minutes to walk. Additional views can be had from various locations through the lower valley.

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Bridalveil Fall is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Widow's Tears	1.29 mi / 2.06 km
Ribbon Fall	1.34 mi / 2.14 km
Horsetail Falls	1.4 mi / 2.24 km
Silver Strand Falls	1.51 mi / 2.41 km
Eagle Creek Cascade	2.1 mi / 3.35 km
Fireplace Creek Falls	2.14 mi / 3.43 km
Fissure Falls	2.47 mi / 3.96 km
Sentinel Fall	2.92 mi / 4.67 km
Columbia Cascade	2.96 mi / 4.74 km
Cascades, The	3.72 mi / 5.95 km

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Photography tips

There are multiple angles from which to shoot Bridal Veil Fall, the best being from the parking lot, Valley View, Tunnel View and the Bridalveil Moraine area from both the Northside and Southside drives. The falls face northwest and will see best lighting in the afternoon hours (when rainbows are often seen). Expect heavy spray near the base of the falls at all times of year.

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Bridalveil Fall Mariposa County, California, United States