Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project

 

 

Overview

Bridalveil Fall is the first grand waterfall that most visitors encounter upon entering the iconic Yosemite Valley. Bridalveil Fall typically flows throughout the year, impelling year-round visitation and high volumes of use during spring flows. Visitors to the Bridalveil Fall area encountered low-functioning vault toilets, congestion associated with the parking lot, crowded trails and viewing platform, a lack of accessible path of travel to the primary viewing platform, and unclear way-finding. This project considered a range of options to address these issues.

Public scoping was the first step in this planning process. During the public scoping period, we encouraged people to send their ideas, concerns, potential issues, and topics the park should consider as we move through the environmental assessment process. Those comments were analyzed and an environmental assessment was produced. That document was available for public review and comment in winter 2018 and the Finding of No Significant Action was signed in June 2018. Construction began in fall 2019 and ended in fall 2023.

Overall, the purpose of the Bridalveil Fall Area Rehabilitation Project was to:

• Improve visitor services at the base of the waterfall, including restroom facilities

• Protect natural and cultural resources in the area

• Reduce crowding on the trails and the viewing platform

• Improve safety and congestion in and around the parking lot

• Improve interpretation and wayfinding

• Improve accessibility for visitors

The project implemented actions prescribed in the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision (Merced River Plan) (NPS 2014) for the Bridalveil Fall area.

 

Documents

• Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) [2.3 MB PDF]
• Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project Environemtnal Assessment (EA) [41.3 MB PDF]