Bridal Veil Falls
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| | Raps:1-2, max ↨240ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 17 Aug 2023
"1. There are several handlines going to the Upper Falls. Not overly difficult, but not for inexperienced people or those lacking in hand or upper body |
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| Best season: | June-Sept
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40.3387, -111.6017
40.3406, -111.6031
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Introduction[edit]
With so many people asking about this descent on forums, it's clear to see that there is varying ideas/opinions about this descent.
Bridal Veil is risky business, as it has been the cause of many mishaps and accidents over the year. The biggest issue is that it is one of the (if not THE) most popular sites to visit in the Utah County area. Families and small kids hike up to the bottom of the lower waterfall. This should evoke serious consideration when attempting the descent. Please, if you choose to do so, try to go during the weekday, preferably early in the morning or maybe later in the evening. Avoid weekends and other times when crowds would be larger.
Note: Take extra precautions when you descend. I.e. leave a team member below to clear the area while others rappel, cones/warnings, etc. Maybe a combination of the two. Descend at your own risk!
Approach[edit]
Park at the Bridal Veil parking lot. Cross the bridge and begin the trail up to the waterfall. As you approach the lower falls, head up to the left contouring up the rock, and then double back towards the waterfall.
Once you are at the bowl beneath the upper falls, you can continue down the drainage to the lower falls. If you want to go to the upper falls, continue across the drainage and look for a chute up on your left. There is typically a fixed handline in place for the climb up (used to have a fixed cable from the tram up to the restaurant). Use the fixed lines up the gully until you contour up and over to your left. You will then find yourself at the upper falls.
Descent[edit]
Upper Falls:
The upper section of Bridal Veil is much more forceful than the lower falls if you stay in the flow. 2 bolt hangers RDC of the flow, putting you right in the thick of it. If you cross over the flow and continue straight down, you can avoid some pounding. However, by staying in the flow, it eventually kicks you 45deg to rappelers right and will be quite forceful. Consider your confortability of heavy flow prior to choosing to do this rap. Although there is a alcove/landing spot prior to the last 30' of vert, plan on a 230-240' rope.
Lower Falls:
When people discuss Bridal Veil, this is typically what they're going for. A "stunt" rap with a crowd of young and old looking on with amazement. It is a calculated risk to descend, so please take precautions to make it as safe as possible. Clear the crowds below. Tree in watercourse has webbing. Plan on 210' of rope and be cautious in your descent now to dislodge any rocks/debris.
Exit[edit]
Return the way you came.
Red tape[edit]
Crowds gather below the lower falls. DANGEROUS. Take precautions to clear the area, go when it's less crowded, or find another safer option.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Candition.com : Bridal Veil Falls