Discover the Tallest Waterfall in Utah

The tallest waterfall in Utah is Bridal Veil Falls, which is located in Provo Canyon near the city of Provo. The waterfall drops 607 feet (185 meters) in a double cataract formation. It is a popular destination for hikers and thrill-seekers! Bridal Veil Falls is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, a mountain range that runs the length of the state, bisecting 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. Keep reading to discover more about the tallest waterfall in Utah!

Five Facts about Bridal Veil Falls

• At 607 feet (185 meters) Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest waterfall in Utah
• The falls freeze in the wintertime
• There is a pool of rainbow trout at the base of the falls
• The Latin word for waterfall is cataract.
• Upper Falls Park has a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Provo River

Parks and Recreation at the Tallest Waterfall in Utah

Bridal Veil Falls Park is located at the base of the waterfall and offers 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 features a playground, pavilions, 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 the Wasatch Mountain State Park (20 miles, 32 km) which is located near the canyon and offers camping, hiking, and other recreational activities, including four golf courses and an archery range, and Mt. Timpanogos National Monument (20 miles, 32 km), which offers guided, educational tours of underground caverns beneath Utah’s second-highest mountain.

Where is Bridal Veil Falls Park located on a Map?

Bridal Veil Falls is located in the scenic Provo Canyon of Utah, just a short drive east of the city of Orem. The falls are easily accessible via a paved trail that runs alongside the Provo River, making it an ideal spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. With its towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters cascading down from over 600 feet above, Bridal Veil Falls is truly a sight to behold

Fishing at the Tallest Waterfall in Utah

The waterfall is fed by water from the Provo River, which runs through the canyon. The Provo River is a popular destination for fishing, and there are several areas along the river that are designated for fishing, including the Middle Provo River which is a splendid place to fish for brown and rainbow trout. There are also several reservoirs and lakes in the surrounding 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, attracting 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 tailwater fishery that provides consistent flow and temperatures year-round. A tailwater fishery is created by the release of water from the base of a dam, in this case, Deer Creek Dam. Water that is released from the dams is rich in oxygen and nutrients. Tailwater fisheries provide excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout. If you’re planning to cast your line, a valid Utah fishing license is required.

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
• Elk
• Deer
• Coyotes
• Bobcats
• River otters
• Beavers
• Bald eagles
• Golden eagles
• Peregrine falcons
• Red-tailed hawks
• Great horned owls
• Great Blue Herons
• Songbirds: warblers, thrushes, chickadees

Hunting is not allowed in the immediate area around 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 Tallest Waterfall in Utah

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

Springtime at the Tallest Waterfall in Utah

Springtime at Bridal Veil Falls in Utah is a beautiful season that offers visitors a chance to see the falls in all their splendor and glory! 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 covered in vibrant colors. Some wildflowers that might be visible include bluebells, shooting stars (Primula clevelandii), trillium, Western buttercups, spring beauty (Claytonia lanceolata), and arrowleaf balsamroot.

Birding at the Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is a popular spot for birdwatching, and autumn is an excellent time of year to go birding at the tallest waterfall in Utah! Once the leaves have fallen and the underbrush has died back, spotting many different avian species is a cinch! Herons, egrets, and kingfishers live around the falls. Raptors like bald eagles and red-tailed hawks are a common sight in the area. Songbirds, like warblers and thrushes, can be seen and heard! Avid birders flock to the falls in search of black swifts, which nest on rock ledges behind the falls. Swifts are crepuscular and thus best viewed around dawn and dusk.

The Tallest Waterfall in Utah in the Wintertime

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

The Legend of the Falls

The legend of Bridal Veil Falls tells the story of Norita, a beautiful Indigenous American maiden who fell in love with Grey Eagle, a brave warrior from a rival tribe. Despite their families’ objections, Norita and Grey Eagle continued to meet in secret at the foot of the falls. One day, as they were sitting on a rock, a sudden storm caused the water to rise rapidly. Grey Eagle tried to save Norita, but the force of the water was too strong, sweeping her over the falls. Devastated, Grey 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 Grey Eagle’s eternal breath searching for his love. In a different version of the legend, Norita is thrown to her death by members of her own tribe, who would rather see her dead than married to Grey Eagle. As a traditionally oral form of storytelling, it is not unusual for legends and folklore to have multiple versions that evolve and change over time. Much like waterfalls.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Alisa_Ch/Shutterstock.com