Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park

Bridalveil Fall from Hwy 120

Coming into Yosemite National Park from the west, the first waterfall that comes into sight is Bridalveil Fall. The scenery above is a roadside beauty that could be seen after emerging from the tunnel in Hwy 120. There is a viewpoint right after the tunnel with wide enough parking for people driving in to stop and take in their first glimpse of Yosemite Valley. There is no sign before the tunnel that there is a scenic vista right after, but if one follows the speed limit inside the tunnel, they would not miss for sure the scenic vista that follows right after emerging from the tunnel. But of course, for those who are speeding, am sure, this vista is missed. Here are two more pictures from the vista right after the tunnel in Hwy 120.

 Bridalveil Fall from Hwy 120 ( a closer look )

Bridalveil Fall from Hwy 120 ( let's get closer )

Down at Yosemite Valley, there is a short but steep trail that goes to the base of waterfall. The waterfall is named Bridalveil because the wind often creates a flow that makes the water look like a veil.

Bridalveil Fall with rainbow from the base

On a sunny day, if you want to catch rainbow by the waterfalls, come visit this waterfall late afternoon. The only drawback to that is the parking lot may be full if you visit in the summer. However, if you come spring, like what we did a few weeks ago, we actually were one of the very few there. It was such a special feeling to have the waterfall all to ourselves.

All smiles for having the waterfall all to ourselves

The sign on the rocks say no climbing on boulders and to not go beyond that point. Though there were only us, but we respected the signs. In the summer, when there's a lot of people, you'd usually see people not following the signs, and would climb the boulders up so they could be next to the waterfall. The rocks are very slippery, and those signs are meant to keep people to stay on the safe side. 

Bridalveil Fall can also be seen from the roadside in Yosemite Valley. The pictures below are from the roadside, taken in the morning before we started our hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Whereas all the pictures above were taken in the afternoon. There was snow fall the night before (April 3rd), so, we were able to see Bridalveil Fall at different lights.

 Bridalveil Fall from Yosemite Valley Roadside

Though a lot of Yosemite visitors would only drive through the park, but it really pays to stay at Yosemite National Park for several days to experience the magnificence of this place up close, and to see it at different lights and different emotions. 

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