Bridal Veil Falls- Walk, Hike and Picnic

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


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 45.8 miles
Ogden: 81.2 miles
Provo: 10.8 miles
Logan: 126 miles