Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most beautiful and accessible waterfalls in the Provo area. Bridal Veil is composed of two waterfalls, an Upper and a Lower falls that fall some 607 feet from the top of the canyon to meet with the Provo river at the bottom. The area is open to all types of recreation including hiking, biking, ice climbing etc.
A Little History ….
I find it interesting to know a little bit about places before I visit them as it gives context to some of the things or people you might encounter. Bridal Veil Falls is no different.
Bridal Veil Falls was once home to the steepest “aerial tramway” in the world with an average angle of 45 degrees and a maximum angle of 66 degrees. The tram first openend in 1967 t0 carry visitors from the canyon bottom up to the top of the cliffs where the falls begins, a distance of over 600 vertical feet.
At the top of the falls was a visitor center and lodge complete with a restaurant and dance hall. At its height Bridal Veil Falls became a premiere Utah attraction drawing visitors from all around the state. However, the tram and visitor center were eventually closed and destroyed by huge avalanches, the last in 1996 that destroyed the visitor center and bottom dock of the tram. When you visit Bridal veils some of the remnants of the old tram are still visible
While Bridal Veil no longer provides expensive dining or swanky dancing at its summit, there are still plenty of recreational opportunities in the area for people of all ages and abilities.
Hike Bridal Veil
You can hike up to the lower falls on a short, but at times steep trail. The trail is only about1/3 of a mile and rises a few hundred feet. The short walk up the hill is well worth it as it provides a beautiful up close view of the lower falls and the chance to bathe in the mist of the falls as the water comes roaring down. This trail can be found just off the Provo river parkway about 50 yards above the wooden boardwalk and view area of the falls.
Bike Bridal Veil
In the Spring and Summer many people choose to bike to the falls along the Provo River Parkway. This is a biking and running trail that follows the Provo River from Vivian Park in Provo Canyon to Utah Lake. The path is paved and well maintained and makes for an easy ride up the canyon to the falls. The path goes right past the base of the falls and provides an inspiring view. The path right below the falls is a pedestrian zone only for about 50 yards so cyclists can either choose to get off and walk their bikes or they can take the road just across the river that still provides an equally stunning view.
Ice Climb Bridal Veil
Due to its unique geology, Bridal Veil Falls is a world famous area for ice climbing. While the area is closed to most recreation in the winter, Ice climbers can often be seen climbing the face of the mountain near the falls. Many of the routes around Bridal Veil are for expert climbers only, however, because it is prone to avalanche.
Other Activities
Bridal Veil Falls is part of a larger Park that is maintained by Utah County. There are areas within the park for people to picnic, walk, fish and explore, including the Provo River and Provo River Parkway. Many families make use of the park and it can get a little crowded on pleasant summer evening and weekends.
How to Get there?
Bridal Veil Falls is located approximately 4 miles up Provo Canyon in Utah. At mile 4 there is a turn off for Bridal Veil Park where visitors can park their car or take a frontage road up about 1/4 mile to a pull off that provides a view point of the falls. This is the same road cyclists can take if they wish to avoid the pedestrian only zone on the Provo River Parkway. There is also another park just north of the falls called Upper Falls park that provides additional parking and picnic facilities.
To get to Provo Canyon take Exit 272 on I-15 and follow the 800 north to US-189 which will take you up into Provo Canyon. If your in the mood for a good fun bike ride. Get on the Provo River Parkway at Utah Lake and ride it up to the falls. If after reading this you are still not sure how to get there, I recommend using google maps and type in Bridal Veil Falls Utah.
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