The Tallest Waterfall in Colorado Will Leave You Utterly Speechless

Colorado is beautiful and has a diverse geography including mountainous terrain, desert canyons, mesas, and more. This stunning state is warm and dry, and yet there are many amazing waterfalls throughout Colorado. Out of the 81 waterfalls in Colorado, the tallest waterfall in the state is Bridal Veil Falls. Can you guess just how tall these falls are? Follow along to learn more about the tallest waterfall in Colorado.

About Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is an impressive 365-foot waterfall in Colorado, making it the largest in the state. You can find this picturesque waterfall in Telluride, Colorado. It is a great place to enjoy nature and also has a hydroelectric power plant at its top. The Smuggler-Union Hydroelectric Power Plant was built in 1907 and initially powered the Smuggler-Union Mine. From 1988 to 2010, resident Eric Jacobson operated and lived in the residence with his family. The hydroelectric powerplant is now owned by the Idarado Mining Company and they provide about 25% of Telluride’s electricity.

Apart from the amazing hydroelectric power plant on top of the falls, there is a lot of history in the area. For example, in 1978, the first people summited the falls. Jeff Lowe and Mike Wiess broadcasted their journey on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Although this waterfall is private, some people still trespass and attempt to ice climb it during winter when completely solid. Bridal Veil Falls is commonly called “the most difficult waterfall ice climb in North America”.

Wildlife Around Bridal Veil Falls

Although the falls are private, many hiking trails take you through and around the area. These hiking trails provide the best opportunities to see amazing animals and beautiful plants. The Bridal Veil Falls Trail is about 2 miles long and is a moderately challenging route. It’s a popular trail but grows in difficulty with snow and ice. The trail is rocky and past hikers recommend using hiking boots as they can be slippery and muddy. On this trail, you can see many animals, like the following.

North American Beavers

Beavers are frequent throughout Bridal Veil Falls, although they usually hide from humans. These large rodents live in lakes, rivers, ponds, and creeks. Beavers range in size, they can weigh as little as 24 pounds or as much as 71 pounds. However, most North American beavers are about 44 pounds. They are semiaquatic animals and consume woody plants. These herbivores are best known for their dam-building skills. They can quickly create deep dams which act as hiding spots from predators.

Mule Deer

Mule deer are also common animals around Bridal Veil Falls, although it’s more common to see them along the hiking trail. These deer are found throughout Colorado’s mountains and foothills. They are North American deer with large ears similar to a mule. Mule deer also have large antlers which they shed and regrow annually. These animals typically stay away from humans and stot at the sight or sound of danger. This is a behavior where animals spring up high in the air and come down with all four legs hitting the floor at the same time.

Black Bears

It can be frightening to think you can accidentally run into a black bear while hiking the Bridal Veil Falls. Although they are found in the area, they are still a rare sight. There are about 16,000 to 20,000 black bears in the state. These omnivores are one of the smallest North American bear species. Their diets consist of vegetation, despite their reputation. About 85% of a black bear’s diet is vegetation. Apart from large mammals, fish, and vegetation, black bears also frequently consume insects.

Mountain Lions

You’re unlikely to spot a mountain lion while exploring the Bridal Veil Falls hiking trails, but they still live in the area. Although there aren’t as many mountain lions as black bears in the state, there are still thousands that call the mountainous state home. Experts estimate there are about 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions in the state. Interestingly, unlike other big cats, mountain lions don’t roar. They also have many nicknames including cougar, puma, Mexican lion, red lion, ghost cat, and American lion.

Where is Bridal Viel Falls Located on a Map?

Bridal Veil Falls, situated at the edge of the box canyon with a height of 365 feet, is a captivating waterfall in Telluride, Colorado. A number of hiking and off-road trails traverse this natural wonder, and the top of the falls features a hydroelectric power plant. During winter, the falls transform into an awe-inspiring sight for brave ice climbers, as the frozen formation presents a formidable challenge.

Here is Bridal Viel Falls on a map:

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