Bridal Veil Falls - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most popular attractions in San Miguel County, Colorado. The falls are located just a short drive from the town of Telluride, and they offer a stunning view of the valley below. Visitors can hike to the top of the falls or take a scenic chairlift ride. There are also plenty of picnicking areas and playgrounds for children. In addition, Bridal Veil Falls is a popular spot for fishing, and there are several hiking trails nearby that offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you're looking for a day of adventure or a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, Bridal Veil Falls is sure to please.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains in southwest Colorado, between the towns of Telluride and Ouray, there is a curtain of waterfalls known as Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are located on Bridal Veil Creek, which is fed by the Lost Creek and Glacier Creek watersheds. The area around Bridal Veil Falls was first settled by miners in the late 1800s, who were attracted by the plentiful deposits of gold, silver, and other minerals. A mining camp known as Camp Bird was established near the falls, and a number of mines were developed in the area, including the Yankee Girl Mine, which produced over $20 million worth of gold. In 1941, the Camp Bird Mine was converted into a hydroelectric power plant, and Bridal Veil Falls was used to generate electricity for the town of Telluride. Today, Bridal Veil Falls is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can hike to the top of the falls or take a scenic tram ride to the base.

The best time to visit Bridal Veil Falls is in the spring or early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. From mid-June to August, the flow of water decreases as the temperatures rise, so it's best to visit during the cooler months. 

1. Plan your visit during the off-peak season. Late spring and early fall are ideal times to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
2. Be prepared for a moderate level of fitness required for the hike. It's a good idea to warm up before starting out.
3. Take your time descending the steps to the base of the waterfall - it's a long way down!
4. Leave no trace – please be respectful of the environment and pick up any trash that you may see.
5. When you're finished exploring, head back into town and grab a bite to eat. Telluride has some great restaurants, and you'll definitely want to refuel after all that hiking!

1. At 365 feet, Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado.
2. The falls are located on a privately owned property, but the public is welcome to enjoy the views from the bridge and nearby picnic area.
3. While the falls are beautiful year-round, they are especially spectacular during thunderstorms, when they become illuminated by lightning.
4. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, Bridal Veil Falls has also been used as a filming location for several Hollywood movies, including “Thelma & Louise” and “True Lies.”
5. There are also several camping and RV sites located nearby, making Bridal Veil Falls an ideal basecamp for exploring the area’s many outdoor activities.
6. In addition to being a popular tourist attraction, Bridal Veil Falls is also a popular spot for BASE jumping and rock climbing.
7. The falls are fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains, and they usually flow from April to September.
8. In the early 20th century, a hydroelectric plant was built at the base of the falls, and it is still in operation today. The plant generates enough electricity to power the town of Telluride and some of its surrounding area.
    

Allow yourself at least half an hour to explore the falls and take in the stunning scenery.

The falls are located just off Highway 550, about 12 miles north of Durango. There are two ways to reach the falls: by car or by foot. If you're driving, take the turnoff for Falls Creek Road and follow the signs to the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead. Park in the lot and hike the short, easy trail to the falls. The round trip is only about a mile, making it a great option for families with small children.

The entrance fee for Bridal Veil Falls is $5 per person. 

The falls are open all year round and can be visited during daylight hours.