Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite NP, #16170

Bridalveil Falls is a classic example of a "hanging valley". Two million years ago it was a stream flowing through a canyon that intersected Yosemite Valley. Over time glaciers carved away the intersection, leaving Bridalveil's canyon "hanging" above the valley and turning the stream into falls that plunge 620 feet (200m). Wind often blows the falls back and forth, producing a wide swath of mist that cools visitors who take the short hike to the base of the falls. Native indians referred to Bridalveil Falls as Pohono ("blowing wind") and considered it to be a superstitious place. Bridalveil Fall, with a large absorbant watershed, flows year round but is most impressive in late Spring.

Bridalveil Falls drops 620 through a hanging valley, shown here at peak water flow in spring months from deep snowpack and warm weather melt. Yosemite Valley. Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Location: Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park, California
Image ID: 16170
Format: Digital 2:3