Bridal Veil Falls (multiple locations)
Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall, a breathtaking 365-ft cascade at the end of Telluride's box canyon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Bridal Veil Falls (multiple locations)
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall, a breathtaking 365-ft cascade at the end of Telluride's box canyon.
"This hike was one of the most rewarding experiences I had in Telluride. Challenging, yes – but incredibly beautiful."
🚗 Park Smart
Arrive early or late for better parking. Bridal Veil Road is an easier ascent option . :car:
💧 Hydrate & Snack
High elevation is no joke! Bring water and snacks for the hike. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bridal Veil Falls
Telluride, Colorado
Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall, plunging 365 feet into a dramatic canyon. A truly breathtaking sight.
Ingram Falls
En route to Bridal Veil Falls
Often overlooked, this beautiful waterfall offers stunning views and is a great stop on the way to the main attraction.
Lower Bridal Veil & Penny Falls
On the rocky trail descent
Discover these charming smaller falls on your way down the steeper trail, adding to the waterfall experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Trail Difficulty & Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Arrive early or late for better parking. Bridal Veil Road is an easier ascent option. :car:
💧 Hydrate & Snack
High elevation is no joke! Bring water and snacks for the hike. :water_wave:
🥾 Choose Your Trail
Rocky trail is steeper; Bridal Veil Road is a gentler incline. Hike up one, down the other! :hiking_boot:
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera for the breathtaking views and multiple waterfalls. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Arrive early or late for better parking. Bridal Veil Road is an easier ascent option. :car:
💧 Hydrate & Snack
High elevation is no joke! Bring water and snacks for the hike. :water_wave:
🥾 Choose Your Trail
Rocky trail is steeper; Bridal Veil Road is a gentler incline. Hike up one, down the other! :hiking_boot:
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera for the breathtaking views and multiple waterfalls. :camerawithflash:
👟 Water Shoes Optional
You might get a little wet near the base, especially if you venture close. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of Bridal Veil Falls, calling it a rewarding and must-do experience in Telluride. Many appreciate the option of choosing between a challenging hike or a more accessible road route. While the falls are spectacular, some find the smaller cascades on the way down to be equally, if not more, impressive.
"Love the hike! Make sure to stop to see the two water falls before you reach the bridal veil falls. I personally like the two smaller falls more. I did go all the way up for the experience. Totally worth it!
Take your time, due to high elevation you may feel tachycardia and short of breath."
Patricia Sierra D
"Such a beautiful hike! We will definitely go back and do that hike again. The views are breathtaking"
Stacey Gray
"If you're in Telluride and up for a rewarding outdoor adventure, don't miss Bridal Veil Falls. This stunning waterfall is Colorado's tallest free-falling falls and truly a sight to behold up close. While you can see both Bridal Veil Falls and Ingram Falls from the main parking lot at a distance, the real magic happens when you make the trek to the base.
The Trail Hike (1.12 miles one way from the lot):
We took the rocky trail from the main parking lot straight to the base of the falls. It’s a moderate to hard hike — steep in sections and covered with loose rocks. If you're not physically prepared, this can be challenging. I saw many people struggling on the trail, especially without water or snacks. Take my advice: bring water and an energy bar — it’s not optional.
Parking can get crowded quickly, so expect to park along the road if you arrive later in the day.
Pro Tip: Take the Easier Route Up
If you want a more comfortable ascent, consider walking up Bridal Veil Road (CR69). This unpaved road is about 1.5 miles from the lot to the falls. It’s a gentle incline — much easier on the legs and heart — and offers some beautiful views of Telluride and nearby Ingram Falls. Vehicles occasionally pass by, but overall, it’s a peaceful walk.
My Recommended Route:
Hike up via the Bridal Veil Road (CR69) for easier climbing and great lookout points.
Hike down via the rocky trail, which is much more manageable going downhill and allows you to see Lower Bridal Veil and Penny Falls along the way.
The Falls:
Up close, the falls are absolutely breathtaking. Mist from the powerful water cools the area, so expect to get slightly wet if you venture near the base. Totally worth it!
Final Thoughts:
This hike was one of the most rewarding experiences I had in Telluride. Challenging, yes — but incredibly beautiful. If you're in decent shape and love a good adventure, don't miss it. If you're unsure about the climb, just take the road route. Either way, Bridal Veil Falls is a must-see."
Robin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bridal Veil Falls is located at the end of the box canyon in Telluride, Colorado. You can drive up the unpaved Bridal Veil Road (CR69) for a more accessible route, or take the steeper, rocky hiking trail from the main parking area. The drive up CR69 is about 1.5 miles to the falls.
Yes, you can drive up Bridal Veil Road (CR69), which is an unpaved road. However, it can be rough and is best suited for vehicles with higher clearance. Parking at the base of the falls is limited and fills up quickly.
There is a parking area near the trailhead, but it's small and often crowded. Many visitors end up parking along the road leading up to the falls. Arriving early is highly recommended for better parking options.
For an easier ascent, many recommend using the Bridal Veil Road (CR69). For a more challenging hike with rewarding views, take the rocky trail. Some visitors hike up one route and descend the other.
Yes, Bridal Veil Falls is a popular destination for day trips from towns like Ouray and Silverton, especially when exploring the San Juan Mountains. The drive itself offers stunning scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to visit Bridal Veil Falls. It is a natural attraction accessible to the public.
Bridal Veil Falls is accessible year-round, but the road and trails can be affected by snow and ice in winter. The best visiting times are typically from late spring through fall.
There is no entrance fee for Bridal Veil Falls. Access to the falls and the surrounding trails is free.
While technically accessible, visiting in winter can be challenging due to snow and ice. The road may be impassable, and hiking conditions can be hazardous. It's best to check local conditions before planning a winter visit.
As a natural park area, visitors are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles. Stay on marked trails and do not disturb the natural environment. Dogs are generally allowed on leash.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike from the main parking lot to the base of Bridal Veil Falls is about 1.12 miles one way. The Bridal Veil Road route is approximately 1.5 miles one way.
The direct trail is considered moderate to hard due to steep sections and loose rocks. The Bridal Veil Road offers a much easier, gentler incline.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Layers are recommended as weather can change. Consider bringing water shoes if you plan to get close to the falls, as you might get misted.
Yes, you can see Ingram Falls from a distance, and the rocky trail descent passes by Lower Bridal Veil and Penny Falls.
Yes, families with active young children can enjoy the hike, especially with breaks and plenty of water. The Bridal Veil Road route is more manageable for younger hikers.
📸 📸 Photography
The base of the falls offers dramatic close-ups. The Bridal Veil Road provides scenic overlooks of the falls and the Telluride valley. Don't forget to capture the smaller falls along the trails too.
Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour can create stunning shots, but be mindful of the increasing crowds and heat.
Drone usage is subject to national park regulations and local ordinances. It's best to check with the relevant authorities in Telluride or the San Juan National Forest before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding canyon. A tripod can be useful for long exposures, especially in lower light conditions.
The overlooks along Bridal Veil Road offer panoramic views. The base of the falls provides a powerful perspective, but be prepared for mist. The smaller falls also offer unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the direct rocky trail is more challenging, some families with very active and outdoorsy children have successfully navigated it, enjoying the climbing and the multiple waterfalls along the way.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Consider combining the routes for a varied experience: hike up the road and descend the rocky trail to see more waterfalls on the way down. Remember to pack ample water and snacks, as the high elevation can be a factor. The area is particularly beautiful during the fall, with vibrant foliage adding to the already spectacular scenery.
📸 Photographers
Don't overlook the smaller waterfalls like Ingram Falls, Lower Bridal Veil, and Penny Falls encountered on the trails; they offer unique compositions and perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails to Bridal Veil Falls
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, the Bridal Veil Road (CR69) is an excellent alternative. This unpaved road provides a more gradual ascent, about 1.5 miles long, and offers beautiful views of the Telluride valley and the surrounding mountains.
Regardless of the chosen path, visitors are strongly advised to bring plenty of water and snacks. The high elevation in Telluride can significantly impact your energy levels, and being prepared is crucial for an enjoyable experience.
The Majesty of Bridal Veil Falls
Beyond the main attraction, the area around Bridal Veil Falls is dotted with other natural wonders. Ingram Falls is visible from a distance, offering a picturesque complement to the main falls. The descent via the rocky trail also reveals Lower Bridal Veil Falls and Penny Falls, each with its own unique charm and photographic appeal.
Many visitors describe the experience of reaching the falls as incredibly rewarding, despite the physical demands of the hike. The combination of the powerful waterfall, the surrounding rugged mountain landscape, and the potential for vibrant fall foliage makes Bridal Veil Falls a must-see destination for nature lovers and hikers in the Telluride region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit