Discover the tallest waterfall in Utah

The tallest waterfall in Utah is Bridal Veil Falls, which is located in Provo Canyon near the town of Provo. The waterfall falls 185 meters in a double cataract formation. It is a popular destination for hikers and adventure seekers! Bridal Veil Falls nestles in the Wasatch Mountains, a mountain range that runs the length of the state and bisects it. Provo Canyon, where the falls are located, is a narrow, forested canyon that runs along the Provo River. The area is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Read on to learn more about the tallest waterfall in Utah!

Five facts about the Bridal Veil Falls

• The Bridal Veil Falls are the highest waterfall in Utah at 185 meters
• The falls freeze in winter
• At the foot of the falls there is a rainbow trout pool
• The Latin word for waterfall is cataract.
• Upper Falls Park has a footbridge that crosses the Provo River

Parks and Recreation at Utah’s Highest Waterfall

Bridal Veil Falls Park is at the base of the falls and features picnic areas, restrooms, and a short trail that leads to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. Just up the road from the falls is Upper Falls Park, which has a playground, gazebos, picnic areas, and a trail that leads to the top of the falls. These are public parks operated by the City of Provo and there are no entrance fees.
In addition to these parks, Utah State Parks operates Wasatch Mountain State Park (20 miles, 32 km), located near the canyon and offering camping, hiking and other recreational activities, including four golf courses and an archery range, and Mt Timpanogos National Monument ( 20 miles, 32 km) that offers guided, educational tours of underground caves beneath Utah’s second highest mountain.

Fishing at the highest waterfall in Utah

The waterfall is fed by water from the Provo River, which flows through the gorge. The Provo River is a popular fishing destination, and there are several areas along the river that are designated for fishing, including the Middle Provo River, which is a prime spot for brown and rainbow trout fishing. There are also several reservoirs and lakes in the area that offer fishing, including Deer Creek State Park (12 miles, 19 km).

fly fishing

Fly fishing is a popular activity in the Provo Canyon area, particularly on the Provo River. The river is excellent for trout fishing and attracts anglers from all over the world. The Middle Provo River, just upstream from the falls, is a popular spot for fly fishing as it is a blue ribbon underwater fishery that offers consistent current and temperatures year-round. An underwater fishery is created by the release of water from the base of a dam, in this case Deer Creek Dam. Water released from the dams is rich in oxygen and nutrients. Underwater fishing offers excellent fishing opportunities, especially for trout. A valid Utah fishing license is required to cast your line.

Wildlife around the tallest waterfall in Utah

Provo Canyon and the Bridal Veil Falls area are home to a variety of wildlife. Some of the animals that can be found in the area are:

• black bears
• mountain lions
• Moose
• Moose
• Deer
• coyotes
• bobcats
• river otter
• beaver
• bald eagle
• Golden Eagles
• peregrine falcon
• Red-tailed Hawks
• Great horned owls
• gray heron
• Songbirds: warblers, thrushes, tits

Hunting is not permitted in the immediate vicinity of Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. However, there are hunting opportunities in other areas of the Wasatch Mountains and the surrounding National Forests.

Plant life at the highest waterfall in Utah

The plant life surrounding Bridal Veil Falls and Provo Canyon is diverse and includes a variety of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. The area lies in a montane forest biome characterized by cooler temperatures and a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees.
Some of the trees in the area are Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, aspen and cottonwood. There are also several types of shrubs, such as mountain mahogany, service tree and wild rose. In spring and summer, the area is also home to a variety of wildflowers such as lupine, Indian paintbrush and fireweed.

Spring at the highest waterfall in Utah

Spring at Utah’s Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful time of year that offers visitors a chance to see the falls in all their glory and splendor! As the mercury rises, the falls swell with snowmelt and spring rains. The area is particularly beautiful when spring is in full bloom and the hills around the falls are bathed in bright colors. Some wildflowers that might be visible are bluebells, shooting stars (Cleveland Primroses), Trillium, Western Buttercups, Spring Beauty (Claytonia lanceolata) and Arrowleaf Balsamroot.

Bird watching at the falls

Bridal Veil Falls is a popular birding spot, and fall is an excellent time of year for birding at the tallest waterfall in Utah! Once the leaves have fallen and the undergrowth has died back, spotting many different species of birds is a breeze! Egrets, egrets and kingfishers live around the falls. Birds of prey such as bald eagles and red-tailed hawks are a common sight in the area. Songbirds such as warblers and thrushes can be seen And heard! Avid bird watchers flock to the falls in search of black swifts that nest on ledges behind the falls. Common swifts are crepuscular and are best seen at dawn and dusk.

The tallest waterfall in Utah in winter

Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon freezes during the winter as the temperature in the canyon can drop well below freezing, causing the waterfall to freeze into a spectacular ice formation. This makes Bridal Veil Falls a popular destination for ice climbers looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. The town of Provo illuminates the frozen waterfall with colored lights for a stunning effect.

The Legend of the Falls

The Legend of Bridal Veil Falls tells the story of Norita, a beautiful Native American girl who fell in love with Gray Eagle, a brave warrior from a rival tribe. Despite objections from their families, Norita and Gray Eagle continued to meet secretly at the base of the falls. One day, as they were sitting on a rock, a sudden storm caused the water to rise rapidly. Gray Eagle tried to save Norita, but the force of the water was too strong and swept her over the falls. Devastated, Gray Eagle jumped after her and the two were never seen again.

It is said that the falls now represent Norita’s bridal veil and that the mist rising from the water is Gray Eagle’s eternal breath searching for his love. In another version of the legend, Norita is thrown to her death by members of her own tribe, who would rather see her dead than be married to Gray Eagle. As a traditionally oral form of storytelling, it is not uncommon for legends and folklore to have multiple versions that evolve and change over time. Similar to waterfalls.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is Bridal Veil Falls a Good Spot for Bird Watching?

Yes! Bridal Veil Falls is a popular bird-watching spot, and fall is an excellent time of year for bird-watching at the tallest waterfall in Utah! Once the leaves have fallen and the undergrowth has died back, spotting many different species of birds is a breeze! Egrets, egrets and kingfishers live around the falls. Birds of prey such as bald eagles and red-tailed hawks are a common sight in the area. Songbirds such as warblers and thrushes can be seen And heard! Avid bird watchers flock to the falls in search of black swifts that nest on ledges behind the falls. Common swifts are crepuscular and are best seen at dawn and dusk.

How did Bridal Veil Falls get its name?

The Legend of Bridal Veil Falls tells the story of Norita, a beautiful Native American girl who fell in love with Gray Eagle, a brave warrior from a rival tribe. Despite objections from their families, Norita and Gray Eagle continued to meet secretly at the base of the falls. One day, as they were sitting on a rock, a sudden storm caused the water to rise rapidly. Gray Eagle tried to save Norita, but the force of the water was too strong and swept her over the falls. Devastated, Gray Eagle jumped after her and the two were never seen again. It is said that the falls now represent Norita’s bridal veil and that the mist rising from the water is Gray Eagle’s eternal breath searching for his love.

Can you fish at Bridal Veil Falls?

Yes, and fly fishing is a particularly popular activity in the Provo Canyon area, particularly on the Provo River. The river is excellent for trout fishing and attracts anglers from all over the world. The Middle Provo River, just upstream from the falls, is a popular spot for fly fishing as it is an underwater fishery that offers consistent currents and temperatures year-round. An underwater fishery is created by the release of water from the base of a dam, in this case Deer Creek Dam. Water released from the dams is rich in oxygen and nutrients. Underwater fishing offers excellent fishing opportunities, especially for trout.

Bridal Veil Falls – where is it?

Bridal Veil Falls nestles in the Wasatch Mountains in Provo Canyon near the town of Provo. The waterfall falls 185 meters in a double cataract formation. It is a popular destination for hikers and adventure seekers!

Does Bridal Veil Falls ever freeze?

Yes! The Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon freeze over in winter. In winter, the temperature in the canyon can drop well below freezing, causing the waterfall to freeze into a spectacular ice formation, making Bridal Veil Falls a popular destination for ice climbers looking for adrenaline-pumping adventures. The town of Provo illuminates the frozen waterfall with colored lights for a stunning effect.