Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall greets visitors heading into the incomparable Yosemite Valley. Along with El Capitan, which stands opposite the waterfall, they form the memorable Gates of Yosemite Valley. It is easily one of the most (if not the most) photographed waterfalls in the park because of its position at the foot of the valley. Sitting in between the granite formations known as the Three Brothers and the Leaning Tower, the falls (as well as the granite) gets a nice orange glow from the setting sun. The view shown in the photo above is from a car park area across the Merced River signposted V10 on the Northside Drive. With its open position near the head of the valley, you can view the waterfall from many different places. The photos below show you some of the various ways you can see the fall. Tell us about your experience with this waterfall. [Back to top] [Go to next waterfall: Ribbon Falls] [Go to the Yosemite Valley Waterfalls Page] [Go to the Yosemite Page] [Return from Bridalveil Fall to the World of Waterfalls Home Page]
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Misty view of the waterfall from its base. You can get this view of the falls by parking at the lot signposted W1 just before Hwy 41 junctions with the one-way Southside Drive. Then, you walk along a short 1/4-mile paved path right up to the base of the falls. It gets quite misty down there in the Spring and ice can build up there as well in the Winter so be careful.
Closeup view of Bridalveil Fall and the Cathedral Rocks with late afternoon rainbow. This view came from the classic Tunnel View (signpost W2).
The base of Bridalveil Fall in winter
Looking up the Merced River Canyon towards Bridalveil Fall from the Big Oak Flat Road near signpost B3.
The familiar Gates of Yosemite view from Tunnel View Lookout
Wide angle view of Valley View (signpost V11 a short distance before Northside Drive junctions with the Pohono Bridge) in spring