Bridalveil Falls Viewpoint — Local services in Oakhurst

Bridalveil is one of the waterfalls that you will see in Yosemite National Park while spending time in the valley. You first encounter Bridalveil as you pass through the Yosemite Tunnel. There is a nice viewpoint there which includes a Bridalveil Falls.

As you drive into the valley along Wawona Road, you will find a pullover and fair sized carpark near the trailhead to the falls. There is a bathroom facility here as well. The trail is a quick half mile walk. It is paved and easy with only a slight ascend as you approach directly under the falls. It takes no more than 5 miles from the carpark and you are directly under the falls.

The waterfall is 620 feet and flows year round. Had previously seen Bridalveil during the month of September quite a few years ago and found the falls underwhelming. During our recent April visit, the Bridalveil was plunging heavily, producing water sprays that reached near the carpark and flowing water along the paved footpath to the falls. Directly under the falls, the spray was as intense as light rain, which was fun to experience but made it challenging to take pictures.

Leaving the Bridalveil Falls carpark, we found good spots to park our vehicle along Wawona Road to view the falls from a short distance away. These made for good photographs in the afternoon when the skies were clear and the sun provided light...

Fully wheelchair accessible all the way to the boulders. Minor grade towards the last fifty yards or so but nothing that should deter anyone. We were here in mid-June when the water flow had subsided a little bit. The more nimble folks scrambled over the boulders and some did cross the stream. This is a mandatory site to visit in the valley in my opinion.

Irrespective of physical condition you will be very close to the flowing waters and likely to feel a bit of the mist. Give yourself a little bit of extra time for this spot because it does get very busy very quickly.

The original parking spot is closer to the falls, the newer one requires a little extra jaunt but if you are patient you will soon get a spot. Try to avoid parking on unapproved shoulders of the main road because there are all kinds of traffic - drivers gawking, newcomers trying to get their bearings and others in...

In my opinion, this Falls is the main attraction at Yosemite. There are several other points of interest as well, but this one takes the cake. There is ample roadside parking, and the trail head starts there towards the base of the Falls. It's is about a ten to fifteen mins brisk walk to the Falls. You begin to feel the mist as you get closer to it (depending on the time of the year and the flow of water, of course).

We visited in July, and the Falls was in full swing. The area is flooded with tourists, and you get plenty of opportunities and view points for those Instagram photos. It's absolutely worth it. For those trying to hike up the Falls, this is not recommended for obvious...