Distance (round-trip)
0.5 mi
Time
0.5 hrs
Elevation Gain
20 ft
Season
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Weather
–
0.5 mi
0.5 hrs
20 ft
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
–
A quick and easy nature walk up to Bridalveil Fall, a 617-foot year-round cascade that also happens to be one of the most popular spots in the park. Yosemite Valley is notoriously crowded – especially in the summer – so try to hit this spot early in the morning before you move on to other attractions or trails in the park.
Yosemite National Park is known for its waterfalls – and for good reason. The experience of being in the middle of an idyllic valley literally surrounded by waterfalls is really not like anything else in the world. Some of the falls are inaccessible to hikers, others are reachable only after long, hard slogs – and others, like Bridalveil, are approachable with a simple stroll.
First thing’s first – you’re on the Valley Floor. If it’s nice out, be prepared for crowds. Not only is this a popular spot for tour busses, but it’s also the first place people usually stop after coming into the Valley.
After you fight over a parking spot, this nature walk is an incredibly easy affair. It’s only 1000 feet to a wonderful vista point, and just 0.2 miles to a spot near Bridalveil Creek.
Because Bridalveil Fall kicks up so much mist, most of the rocks and pathways here will have a healthy amount of water on them. If you’re going to boulderhop along the creek or are walking this path during a cold morning, watch out for frost or ice along the way.
Otherwise, just enjoy the easy, pleasant walk to the viewpoint near the base of the falls’ mist trail. It’s a great spot to hit up on a hot Valley day, because you’re definitely going to get wet here.
When you’re done getting soaked, trek back to the parking lot to head to your next destination.
Excellent. This popular and well-traveled nature walk is along a paved path for almost the entire route.
There are many camping options in Yosemite -- and almost all of them require some careful, long-term planning.
From Yosemite Valley, head west on Northside Drive, turning left at Portal Road to stay in the Valley. The clearly marked trailhead will be on the south side of Southside Drive, just past the junction with Wawona Road.
With recent wildfire damage and ongoing waves of COVID-19 infections and restrictions, National Forest, National Park, and other public land closures, restrictions, or social distancing guidelines may be in-effect.
If infection rates are on the rise, please do your best to remain local for your hikes. If you do travel, please be mindful of small gateway communities and avoid as much interaction as you can. Also remember to be extra prepared with supplies so you don't have to stop somewhere outside your local community for gas, food, or anything else.
Please be sure to contact the local land management agency BEFORE you head out, as these conditions are likely to change without enough notice for us to fully stay on top of them. Thanks, and stay safe!
Click here to read the current CDC guidelines for traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.