A 600-foot vertical drop from the “Hanging Valley” above makes Bridalveil Fall one of the world’s most dramatic waterfalls and a landmark gateway to Yosemite Valley. Despite its status as an arrival feature and orientation marker for the park’s legions of western pilgrims, Bridalveil Fall visitor facilities, trails, and overlooks were undersized, overcrowded, unsafe, and in disrepair.

Visitor improvements balance the Merced River Plan’s ecological protections with welcoming accommodations to one of the Valley’s most sublime resources, including new accessible loop trails; an expanded series of waterfall overlooks at restored vista points; an upgraded comfort station with flush toilets and associated utilities; reconfigured parking and roadways with separate bus and shuttle routes; preservation of historic bridges; interpretive wayfinding; and boardwalks to accommodate seasonal water fan flows.

Working closely with NPS and Yosemite Conservancy staff since 2015, JNRA guided the project as the Prime Consultant for the multi-disciplinary team on initial concept planning and design studies, Schematic Design alternatives, an Environmental Assessment (by others), construction documentation, phased construction, and outreach support. The trails portion of the project was constructed by the NPS Trails Crew. The area was re-opened to the public in early 2024.