If you are at the lodge you will want to make this stop either your first or possibly your last as it is the first attraction in the valley you come to after decending from the Tunnel View. The reason is that from this point on the southside drive is a one way making it a long drive to come back around again.
The parking lot is one of the smaller ones in the valley and fills up fast. Either arrive by 9am or after 4pm for the best chances of finding a parking space. Since the bridalveil is at the south end of the valley there is no shuttle service. You can hike there from locations closer in to the east end of the valley via the Valley Loop Trail. But for a shorter hikes you should plan on driving there.
TIP! The bridalveil parking lot is also a good place to access a trail accross the southside drive that runs back east along the Merced river towards Pahono bridge, a wonderful crowd free little hike.
Plunging 620 feet (189 meters), Bridalveil Fall is often the first waterfall you'll see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; during the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow. A paved trail leads from the parking area to the base of this waterfall, which flows year-round. Although paved, this is trail is not wheelchair accessible due to its grade.
The trail to Bridalveil Fall is open year-round. When the water is at its peak in spring and early summer, the mist from the falls is soaking. In some cases the spray is so strong, you may not even be able to easily access the end of the trail. Expect icy and very slick conditions in winter. There is a hand rail on the hill leading up to the falls, you will want to use it when there is ice on the ground.
The rocks and boulders above the viewing platform are slippery even when dry; stay safe by staying on the paved trail. Scrambling off trail in this area has led to serious injuries.
If you choose to park along Southside Drive, when getting out of your vehicle, watch for traffic and be cautious opening car doors and crossing the road. Do not park your car with it partially in street, this is common occurance and is very dangerous to you and other drivers. Another car may hit you, or you may get a ticket.
TIP! The park service has cordoned off the off street parking near the parking lot. A lot of people drive a short distance up the road towards the Tunnel View parking lot and then walk back to the Bridalveil parking lot. This exposes them to heavy traffic with little or no curb side or road edge.
This is very dangerious, and cases a hazardous situtaiton for them, and cars, buses and delivery trucks on the road. People have been hit and you are takng your life in your hands by assuming the drivers will avoid you. They may not even see you until you are a hood ornament. The other dangerious situation I see all the time in the park, distracted drivers! Views, children, gps, oh my!
Water is not available at the trailhead, base of the waterfall, or parking area. You should avoid drinking directly from streams, or rivers due to the possiblity of contracting Giardia infection. On longer hikes it is smart to take plenty of water or a water filter.
Restrooms are available in the parking area. They are pit toilets, and there are no sinks.
Parking is available at the trailhead, accessible from the Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41) or Southside Drive. The parking area often fills up quickly in summer and, while there is a lot of turnover, traffic jams are common when getting in and out of this parking lot.
Another option is to drive a little further east on Southside Drive into Yosemite Valley (a few hundred yards), where you'll find parking on either side of the road with a different trail option.
This trail is a bit longer—an additional 0.25 miles (0.4 km), crosses Bridalveil Creek, and showcases different views of Bridalveil Fall as you approach the main parking area.
Shuttle service is not available to the Bridalveil Fall area. Drive your own car to the trailhead (or take a long hike using the Valley Loop Trail).
Leashed pets are allowed on this trail.
Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife
Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.).
Proprietor: Vonnie Coombs
Cell: 619-948-8561
7509 Henness Circle, Yosemite CA, 95389
E-mail: reservations@yosemiteperegrinelodge.com
Yosemite Peregrine Lodging is located inside the gates of Yosemite National Park in the Yosemite West development. You have to enter Yosemite to get to Yosemite West. Don't let other hotel operators fool you. Ask for a physical address and check them out on a map before you make your reservation. Some accommodations claim to be minutes from Yosemite and are actually an hour or more.