Bridalveil Falls

Once again, this is rated free because you park pass allows you access to all areas of the park. From the tunnel to Tunnel view, your next stop will be Bridalveil fall. You see the fall as you drive down towards the tunnel, but from the parking lot, the falls is giant and so close. From the parking lot, it is a 0.5 mile hike to the bottom of the falls. The giant drop creates a loud noise as the water drops down on giant boulders at its base and then is let our through a river that flows down hill.

It is impressive to see it up close. You actually do not need to leave the parking lot to see the falls. For those who do not like hiking or think 0.5 miles is long, you need not worry, you can literally stay in your car and see it just as well. It is located within the valley and close to the great views of El Capitan and the beautiful Tunnel view and Valley views.

PS: Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today!

If you enter Yosemite through the tunnel at south end of the park along Highway 41 which comes north from Fresno, the first thing you will see is Half Dome, but soon your eye is drawn to the 620 foot (188 meter) waterfall just down and to the right in your view. This is a year round falls, and of course springtime makes the waterfall much more vivid. This falls will set the tone for your visit to Yosemite National Park and the valley. The giant walls of granite on both sides of Yosemite valley make this a super visit and is the reason it is so popular. The wind frequently makes the water spread to a thin veil, thus the name.

There are a couple of old legends or beliefs attached to the falls. One is that the Ahwahneechee tribe believed that the falls was home to a vengeful spirit which guarded the entrance to the valley, and that those leaving the valley must not look directly into the waterfall lest they be cursed.

Another legend or belief was that inhaling the mist of Bridalveil Falls would improve one's chances of marriage.

I have added several shots taken May 2, 2011 that show how large this waterfall can be in springtime.