Bridalveil Fall is one of Yosemite Valley’s most prominent waterfalls, plunging 620 feet from the southern valley wall. This California waterfall flows year-round and is often the first major feature visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley from the south. This 2026 visitor guide covers access hours, park entrance fees, how to get there, parking, accessibility, what to see, and practical tips for planning your visit.
The waterfall is a popular stop on Yosemite National Park day tours from San Francisco.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Access hours | Open year-round, 24 hours daily |
| Park entrance fee | $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days) | $30 per motorcycle (valid 7 days) | $20 per person on foot/bicycle (valid 7 days) |
| Trailhead location | Bridalveil Fall parking area, off Wawona Road (Highway 41) or Southside Drive |
| Distance from Yosemite Valley | Approximately 2.5 miles from Yosemite Valley Visitor Center |
| Trail distance | 0.5 miles round trip |
| Time needed | 20 to 40 minutes for trail; longer during peak water flow |
Bridalveil Fall access hours
The Bridalveil Fall trail is accessible year-round, 24 hours daily. The parking area and trailhead remain open throughout the year. Roads providing access to Bridalveil Fall (Wawona Road/Highway 41 and Southside Drive) stay open year-round, though winter weather may affect driving conditions. Expect icy and very slick conditions on the trail in winter. The waterfall flows throughout the year, with peak flow during spring and early summer snowmelt (April through June).
Why book the Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias day trip from San Francisco?
- Visit Yosemite’s iconic landscapes: See famous natural wonders such as Yosemite Valley, granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls in one unforgettable day.
- See giant sequoia trees: Walk among some of the world’s largest and oldest trees, offering a humbling experience amid ancient forest giants.
- Expert local guide: Knowledgeable guides share insights on geology, ecology and the park’s natural history throughout the tour.
- Comfortable round-trip transport: Includes direct travel from San Francisco so you can enjoy the scenery without arranging your own logistics.
- Perfect for nature lovers: A full-day immersion in one of America’s most beloved national parks, ideal if you want a comprehensive Yosemite experience in a single outing.
Yosemite National Park entrance fees
Access to Bridalveil Fall requires payment of Yosemite National Park entrance fees. A private vehicle pass costs $35 and is valid for seven consecutive days. This fee covers the vehicle and all passengers. Motorcycle entry costs $30 for seven days. Visitors entering on foot or bicycle pay $20 per person aged 16 and over for seven days; children aged 15 and under enter free.
The Yosemite Annual Pass costs $70 and provides unlimited entry for 12 months. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and covers entry to all US national parks and federal recreation lands for 12 months. Senior, military, and disability passes are available at reduced rates or free. Entrance fees are paid at park entrance stations and cannot be purchased online in advance. The park does not accept cash; credit and debit cards only.
As of January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over must pay an outrageous $100 per person extra fee, unless they have a non-resident America the Beautiful Annual Pass. These cost $250.
Entrance fees and information were checked and updated in January 2026.
How to get to Bridalveil Fall
From the South Entrance (Highway 41), drive approximately 13 miles north into Yosemite Valley. The Bridalveil Fall parking area is on the right (east) side of Wawona Road, approximately 6 miles past Tunnel View and immediately before the junction with Southside Drive. From Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, drive southwest on Southside Drive for approximately 2.5 miles; the parking area is on the left (south) side of the road.
An alternative parking option for this legendary American waterfall is available a few hundred yards further east on Southside Drive into Yosemite Valley, where roadside parking is permitted on either side of the road. From these roadside spaces, an additional 0.25-mile trail crosses Bridalveil Creek and provides different views of the waterfall before joining the main trail near the parking area. This option avoids the often-congested main parking lot.
The Yosemite Valley Shuttle does not serve Bridalveil Fall. Visitors must drive or walk from Yosemite Valley via the Valley Loop Trail (several miles). The nearest major airports are Fresno Yosemite International Airport (approximately 95 miles south) and San Francisco International Airport (approximately 190 miles west).
Without your own vehicle, the easiest way to visit is on a Yosemite day tour from San Francisco.
Parking at Bridalveil Fall
The Bridalveil Fall parking area accommodates cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. Parking is free with valid park entrance. The lot fills quickly during summer months and spring peak flow periods, particularly between late morning and mid-afternoon. Traffic jams are common when entering and exiting the parking lot during busy periods. Spaces become available as hikers complete the short 20 to 40-minute round-trip walk.
Arrive before 09:00 or after 17:00 to avoid peak parking demand. Accessible parking spaces are available near the trailhead. Alternative roadside parking on Southside Drive a few hundred yards east of the main lot provides access to a slightly longer trail (additional 0.25 miles each way). When parking on Southside Drive, watch for traffic, exercise caution opening car doors, and cross the road carefully.
How long to spend at Bridalveil Fall
The paved trail to the viewing platform takes 20 to 40 minutes round trip for most visitors. The walk is 0.5 miles round trip on level, paved surface. During spring when water flow is heaviest, reaching the end of the trail may be difficult due to strong spray, and visitors should allow extra time. Photographers often spend additional time capturing the waterfall from various angles. Allow extra time for parking during busy periods. Total visit time including parking and facilities typically ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Accessibility at Bridalveil Fall
The western trail to the base of Bridalveil Fall is wheelchair accessible. The 0.5-mile round-trip trail follows a paved surface from the parking area to the viewing platform at the waterfall base. The trail is relatively level with minimal grade changes suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Accessible parking spaces are located near the trailhead.
Restrooms in the parking area are wheelchair-accessible. No drinking water is available at the trailhead, parking area, or along the trail. Visitors should bring water, particularly during warmer months. The viewing platform at the trail’s end provides the closest accessible view of the waterfall, though spray may limit access during peak water flow in spring.
Dogs are allowed on the trail and must be kept on a leash. The rocks and boulders above the viewing platform are slippery even when dry; visitors should stay on the paved trail to avoid serious injury from falls. Scrambling off-trail in this area has resulted in serious injuries.
What to see at Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall drops 620 feet from the southern wall of Yosemite Valley. The waterfall flows year-round, fed by Bridalveil Creek, which drains the area south of Glacier Point. During spring snowmelt (April through June), the waterfall reaches peak volume and creates significant spray and mist that can drench visitors on the trail. The force of the water during peak flow may prevent access to the end of the trail.
During summer, autumn, and winter, water flow decreases significantly, creating the characteristic light, swaying appearance that gives Bridalveil its name. Wind frequently blows the falling water side to side, creating a veil-like effect. On windy days, the waterfall may appear to flow upward or sideways rather than straight down. The reduced flow during these seasons allows visitors to approach the viewing platform without getting wet.
The viewing platform at the trail’s end sits at the base of the waterfall, providing close views of the falling water and the surrounding granite cliffs. Spray creates rainbows on sunny days, particularly during morning and late afternoon when the sun angle is optimal. The granite rock face behind the waterfall shows the dark streaks typical of water seepage, moss growth, and mineral deposits.
Bridalveil Creek flows across the trail via culvert before the viewing platform. During peak flow, the creek can be impressive in its own right. The paved trail from the parking area passes through mixed forest and meadow before reaching the waterfall, with views improving as hikers approach the viewing platform.
The alternative trail from Southside Drive roadside parking crosses Bridalveil Creek on a footbridge and provides views of the waterfall from different angles, including profile views showing the full drop from rim to valley floor. This route joins the main trail near the parking area.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit during spring (April to June) for maximum water flow and dramatic spray, but expect to get wet. Bring rain gear or waterproof jackets. |
| Arrive before 09:00 to avoid parking congestion and tour groups, particularly during summer months. |
| Stay on the paved trail and viewing platform; rocks above the platform are extremely slippery and have caused serious injuries. |
| Bring drinking water as none is available at the parking area, trailhead, or along the trail. |
| In winter, expect icy conditions on the trail. Wear boots with good traction and use caution on slippery surfaces. |
| If the main parking lot is full, continue east on Southside Drive and park on the roadside for an alternative trail with different views. |
| Morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography, with potential for rainbows in the mist. |
| Keep food within arm’s reach and do not feed wildlife; black bears and other animals are common in Yosemite Valley. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Bridalveil Fall suitable for children? | Yes, the short, paved, level trail is suitable for children of all ages. During peak water flow, spray may drench visitors, so bring appropriate clothing. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No advance booking is required for the trail. However, Yosemite National Park entrance fees must be paid at park entrance stations. |
| Is Bridalveil Fall accessible in winter? | Yes, the trail is open year-round. Winter brings icy, slippery conditions requiring appropriate footwear and caution. Water flow is typically lower in winter. |
| Are restrooms available? | Yes, wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in the parking area. No drinking water is available. |
| How long does the walk take? | The 0.5-mile round-trip walk takes 20 to 40 minutes for most visitors on the paved, level trail. |
| Is there wheelchair access? | Yes, the western trail to Bridalveil Fall is wheelchair-accessible via paved trail from accessible parking spaces. |
Things to do near Bridalveil Fall
Tunnel View, a famous scenic overlook, is a 5-minute drive (1.5 miles) west on Wawona Road. The viewpoint provides panoramic views of Yosemite Valley including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall from above. El Capitan, one of the world’s largest granite monoliths rising 3,000 feet from the valley floor, is visible from El Capitan Meadow along Northside Drive, approximately 10 minutes from Bridalveil Fall.
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, approximately 2.5 miles from Bridalveil Fall, provides exhibits, ranger programs, wilderness permits, and park information. The visitor centre also provides access to Yosemite Valley Shuttle, which serves major valley attractions. Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet, is accessed via a 1-mile round-trip paved trail from shuttle stop 6 in Yosemite Valley.
Sentinel Beach and other roadside pullouts along Southside Drive provide views of Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, and other valley features. Glacier Point, accessed via Glacier Point Road (seasonal, typically late May to November), provides elevated views of the entire valley, Half Dome, and surrounding peaks. The drive from Bridalveil Fall to Glacier Point takes approximately 1.5 hours via Wawona Road and Glacier Point Road.
Elsewhere in the park, the giant sequoia trees of Tuolumne Grove and Mariposa Grove make you feel very small.
More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Visiting the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine.
- A visit to Death Valley – the hottest place on earth.
- Why you should take the drive up through the Eastern Sierra to Whitney Portal.
- Complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
- What to expect at Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills.
