Yes, and more than one!
Chances are, you’ve seen a waterfall just driving through Provo Canyon. I’ve lived in Provo Utah for many years, most of those years I only knew about this one waterfall. It’s gorgeous, but I decided this year it was time to find some more water.
The First Waterfall: Bridal Veil
Okay, okay, I will give Bridal Veil Falls the recognition it deserves. It’s right off the highway, iconic, and extremely accessible. Take the Bridal Veil exit, which is on the south side of the road. There is a nice sized parking lot to the right and public picnic benches strewn about at the beginning of the trail.
Head east on the path and you’ll find a pretty waterfall in no time. The path is paved all the way to the falls. Hiking to the base is more of a nice stroll. In the summer, when you get to the waterfall, there will be people playing in the water and a few brave souls climbing up the rocks as far as they dare.
Bonus Waterfall!
I had heard the name, “Bridal Veil, Upper Falls” thrown about a number of times. I always assumed that meant there was a path leading up closer to the top of Bridal Veil. (There is such a trail to the east of the falls. It’s a very steep, slippery path, but takes you right under the lower level of the falls. Hiking to this first ledge (pictured below) got me to the end of my comfort level, so I did not traverse further up the waterfall. I did see another path leading up to the upper level, so I suppose it’s been done before without casualty. My hike down the waterfall was quite enjoyable.)
The Upper Falls trail leads you to a completely different waterfall! You can actually see it from the Freeway as well, I’m just not very observant. If you continue east on the paved path, past Bridal Veil, you will; enjoy sporadic shade from the trees, hear the river rushing next to you, and walk by a long fence. Then you will see a colorful cement structure on the right.
Find the dirt path behind the structure and follow it up up up! Don’t be alarmed by the few paths veering off, just stay on the path that heads straight up the mountain. It is a good 10-15 minute hike up that will let your heart practice beating. There are also colorful markings along the path to let you know you’re headed in the correct direction.
This portion of the hike felt very remote and peaceful. I felt like I was the only person in the world. Do watch your footing along this path. You’ll walk over areas of loose rock and piles of only rock. After the uphill battle, a little waterfall will be waiting for you.
This is a three mile round trip hike from the parking lot. It took me two hours total (which included a lengthy stay at the waterfall).
Want to Skip all the Hiking?
If you want to get to the falls more quickly, follow these instructions… When you first take the Bridal Veil exit, continue driving straight. The first parking lot will be right in front of Bridal Veil. Continue driving and park in the Upper Falls parking lot, cross the bridge, and the cement structure with the trail behind it will be right in front of you.
If you need a quick waterfall fix, this is the place to be!
The Second Waterfall: Stuart Falls
Stuart Falls is a three and a half mile hike, round trip. The trailhead is tucked away along a side street in Provo Canyon near Aspen Grove. The parking lot is huge, so no need to worry about finding a spot. The trail is beautiful with lots of ups and downs and covered with trees. Depending on the temperature you’re hiking in, the path can feel uphill both ways. Definitely bring water on this one.
Stuart falls takes a good bit of time to hike but is worth every step, especially in the summer. Take a quick detour along the way and dance or take pictures on the large flat cement structure. Continue on the path, there is only one. Up and down, up and down. Eventually you’ll walk around a mountain corner, down the mountain a while, and there the waterfall will be! The path continues all the way down to the river and waterfall base.
I jumped right into the stream and I believe that’s the closest to heaven I will get on this earth. So refreshing. Instant cool down. I wanted to explore everywhere. So we did. We scrambled up the right side of the waterfall to a ledge. Then I saw someone behind the waterfall! I’d never been behind a waterfall! So of course I had to try it. Also along the right side, just a little higher up, you can semi rock climb/crawl along the canyon wall then scramble under the waterfall. I would recommend only doing this if you have shoes with a good grip. Ironically, I did not have good shoes. I took them off and my husband was kind enough to make sure I made it back across safely when my feet were wet and slippery.
I always feel accomplished and rejuvenated when I complete something that makes me a little nervous. I would never condone any action that make someone feel extremely nervous. I think it’s a very smart idea to listen to your body. Fear is a gift. But, I’m also a big fan of feeling a little adrenalin.
The Third Waterfall: Lost Creek
One of our good friends told us about this trail just a few months ago; Lost Creek Falls trail. To get to the trailhead you take the Bridal Veil Falls exit, but you then turn left and drive under the highway to a parking lot that’s right outside a campground entrance. The unmarked trailhead is next to the river, under the freeway. The beginning of the trail is an old concrete road structure. There are quite a few little paths around. We followed the trail to the right, up a hill, by a chain-link fence for a while that leads to a more open area. You will come to a shed looking structure and the path you want is the fork to the left! You will have some great views of Bridal Veil as you make the ascent; and my, what an ascent! The path has a good incline the whole way to the waterfall.
The hike is three miles round trip, though you can always make it longer by taking random forks in the road. If you’re worried about getting lost at all, my husband really likes using maps.me to map everything out so we have no confusion. It really takes all potential stress away so that we can just enjoy nature, and the burn in our legs.
As you get nearer to the canyon, you will find a river. At this point, follow the river up until you find the waterfall. I quite enjoy scrambling up rocks and being in water, so I hiked up the river most of the way. My husband took the trails along the river. You will have to cross the river at some point along the journey, so be prepared for water time.
I frequently become distracted while hiking because I’m figuring out the placement of my feet or I’m thirsty or I’m trying to not fall off a cliff. I have to remind myself to stop and look around and let me tell you, I’m glad I remembered on this hike. Look around and take in the nature. I guarantee you won’t want to miss these sights.
Reaching the waterfall made the whole experience all the more magical. We climbed up the first two waterfall “steps” and enjoyed the scenery from above for quite some time.
When the signal to return home occurred (our stomachs growling), the scramble down the mountain was quite enjoyable. Hiking back always seems so much quicker.
WARNINGS!
Be cautious on this hike! There are frequent avalanches in this area during the winter, so I would definitely recommend this as a summer hike. The summer has it’s own set of hazards. There are a lot of large and small loose rocks. It can also be quite slippery due to areas of water/moss and/or loose dirt. Step carefully. If spiders make you jump…get ready. I saw dozens by the river. Also, be aware that rattlesnakes love this area. I wasn’t aware until the moment I almost stepped on one of these beauties coming down the mountain. Keep your eyes open and stay safe!
Remember to enjoy all the lovely nature and the continual adventure!
Love this! I’m excited to follow your world travels 🙂