THE STORY
Reported Haunting
According to an Indigenous Yosemite legend, a dangerous spirit called Po-ho-no inhabits the mist and wind surrounding Bridalveil Fall. The spirit is said to create hypnotic rainbows that lure visitors dangerously close to cliffs and rushing water. Those who have fallen to their deaths near the waterfall are also said to haunt the area.
The legend of Po-ho-no is associated with Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite Valley. One version tells of two Indigenous women gathering berries above the waterfall when a mysterious mist appeared. A shrieking wind reportedly swept one woman into the turbulent water below. The tribe’s chief blamed Po-ho-no and warned his people to avoid the waterfall. Modern versions of the legend claim that the spirit continues to lure people toward dangerous ledges through beautiful rainbows appearing in the mist.