The first time I ever went to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon, I don't remember seeing the waterfall. How could I miss it? It's right there, bigger than life, in your face and hard to miss. I was more than fascinated with the aerial tram that climbed its way from the side of the Provo River to a location high above the falls on the top of sheer cliffs. The tram, often cited by locals as the steepest aerial tramway in the world, was amazing to watch- and I wouldn't go anywhere near it as I'm afraid of heights.The tram was destroyed in an avalanche in 1996 and for a while after that, the area became kind of junky, vandalized and only a place for a short stop to see the falls on the way through the canyon.
Recently, I was back at Bridal Veil Falls again. The tram has not been rebuilt, but the entire area around it has. There is a park with picnic and barbecuing areas with plenty of parking (in a couple of parking lots). Lots of trees surround the grassy picnic areas, but it is open enough to toss around a Frisbee or a football. The park is set right next to the Provo River and it is just a short walk up the paved Provo River Parkway Trail to Bridal Veil Falls.
The Falls are impressive. The water comes from a year round spring the flows over the edge of the cliff and falls over 600 feet through a double cascade. The water expands from a narrow point at the top of the falls to a wide, lacy veil. Thus, Bridal Veil Falls gets its name.
At the bottom of the Falls is a small shallow pool that people love to play in. Just a bit further up the paved Parkway Trail is a dirt trail that takes you right up to the base of the lower cascade. It is a steep, but fairly short hike that most people can make in a matter of 10-15 minutes. You get a great view of the canyon and river below.
There is a separate trail that goes up to the top of the falls, but it is a steep and difficult climb and should not be attempted unless you are a serious hiker or climber.
The Provo River Parkway Trail that runs through the park and past the base of the falls is a 14 mile long paved trail that runs from Utah Lake to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. This is a great place for walking, jogging and bicycling.
Take an afternoon and enjoy Bridal Veil Falls.
Place: Bridal Veil Falls
Location: About 2 1/2 miles up Provo Canyon on Highway 189 on south side of the road.
Phone: None
Hours: Provo River Parkway Trail is open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: FREE
View Larger Map
Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 45.8 miles
Ogden: 81.2 miles
Provo: 10.8 miles
Logan: 126 miles
3 comments:
Bridal Veil Falls has opened a cafe right in front of the falls. The cafe offers smoothies, burgers, hot dogs and more to those who are enjoying the privately owned falls.The menu is reasonable 5 to 6 dollars for a whole meal. Everyone is welcomed there and the cafe is outdoors so you can view the falls while enjoying your meal. Friday and Saturday evenings offers free local entertainment. Hours of operation are 11 am to 9 pm.
Also they offer full service event packages for anyone wanting to have a wedding reception, party,or business event. Call event services at 801-874-5361
The falls now have a cafe there. It is wonderful to sit and enjoy a meal by the falls. The menu is reasonable and the people are friendly. They offer burgers,dogs, and smoothies. A full meal is about five bucks. They also have live music by local musicians on Friday and Saturday nights.
There is a cafe there now at the falls. Burgers, hot dogs, smoothies. Also live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Friendly people and reasonable prices. Great place for a date or family.
Post a Comment