About Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 4.1 miles southwest of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the El Capitan 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°43′00″ N, 119°38′49″ W (37.71659, -119.64683). Historical sources also record the names Bridalveil Falls, The Bridal Veil Fall, Bridal Veil Falls, Falls of Louise, Bridal Veil Fall, Cascade of the Rainbow, and Pohono. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Gunsight (pillar, 0.3 mi), Bridalveil Creek (stream, 0.4 mi), and Leaning Tower (cliff, 0.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Horsetail Fall, 1.3 miles to the northeast.
This famous plunge waterfall in Yosemite National Park drops from a height of 617 ft.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, 620 ft plunge over the south wall of Yosemite Valley on Bridalveil Creek between the north slope of Leaning Tower and the southwest slope of Cathedral Rocks. (US-T121)
More Photos
1,678 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Bridalveil Fall
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Bridalveil Fall
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Bridalveil Fall. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Bridalveil Fall holds a 4.8 average from 379 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Bridalveil Fall. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Gunsight — pillar, 0.3 mi
- Bridalveil Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
- Leaning Tower — cliff, 0.4 mi
- Bridalveil Moraine — ridge, 0.6 mi
- Cathedral Rocks — cliff, 0.6 mi
- Ribbon Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Moss Spring — spring, 0.7 mi
- Black Spring — spring, 0.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.71659, -119.64683. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Bridalveil Fall
- Upper Yosemite Falls, CA3.9 mi northeast
- Wildcat Falls, CA3.9 mi west
- Yosemite Falls, CA4.0 mi northeast
- Staircase Falls, CA4.1 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bridalveil Fall located?
Bridalveil Fall is in Mariposa County, California, about 4.1 miles southwest of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.71659, -119.64683 (37°43′00″ N, 119°38′49″ W).
What town is closest to Bridalveil Fall?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 4.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Bridalveil Fall?
The closest is Horsetail Fall (1.3 mi northeast). Others within reach include Ribbon Fall (1.3 mi), Silver Strand Falls (1.5 mi), and Sentinel Fall (2.8 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Bridalveil Fall?
Bridalveil Fall appears on the USGS El Capitan 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.