At the southwest end of the Valley, Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620ft. The Ahwahneechee people call it Pohono (Spirit of the Puffing Wind), as gusts often blow the fall from side to side, even lifting water back up into the air. This waterfall usually runs year-round, though it’s often reduced to a whisper by midsummer. Bring rain gear or expect to get soaked when the fall is heavy.
Park at the large lot where Wawona Rd (Hwy 41) meets Southside Dr. From the lot, it’s a quarter-mile walk to the base of the fall. The path is paved, but probably too rough for wheelchairs, and there’s a somewhat steep climb at the very end. Avoid climbing on the slippery rocks at its base – no one likes a broken bone.
If you’d rather walk from the Valley, a trail (part of the Loop Trails) follows Southside Dr, beginning near the LeConte Memorial Lodge and running about 3.8 miles west to the falls.
