Bridalveil Fall (Yosemite)

This article is about Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite. For waterfalls named 'Bridal Veil', see Bridal Veil Falls.

Bridalveil Fall is one of the most prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley in California, seen yearly by millions of visitors to Yosemite National Park.

Bridalveil Fall is 620 feet (188 m) tall and flows year round. The glaciers that carved Yosemite Valley left many hanging valleys which spawned the waterfalls that pour into the valley. All of the waterways that fed these falls carved the hanging valleys into steep cascades with the exception of Bridalveil Fall. Bridalveil still leaps into the valley from the edge of precipice, although that edge has moved back into an alcove from the original edge of the valley. Note that while Yosemite Falls seem to also fall into this category, the original course took the Yosemite Creek down a gorge to the west of its current location. The primary source of Bridalveil Falls is Ostrander Lake, some 10 miles to the south.

When the wind blows briskly, the waterfall will appear to be falling sideways. During lesser water flow the falls often don't reach the ground. Because of this, the Ahwahneechee Native Americans called this waterfall Pohono, which means Spirit of the Puffing Wind.

Bridalveil Fall from Inspiration Point (above Tunnel View)

Trivia

The Ahwahneechee tribe believed that Bridalveil Falls was home to a vengeful spirit named Pohono which guarded the entrance to the valley, and that those leaving the valley must not look directly into the waterfall lest they be cursed. Oddly enough, they also believed inhaling the mist of Bridalveil Fall would improve one's chances of getting married.

See also

* List of waterfalls

References

External links

*
* Story of Bridalveil Fall, Pohono Indian legend.