Bridal Veil Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Before you go
A timed-entry permit ($12 per person, includes parking) is required year-round for every hiker; reserve at visitglenwood.com/hanginglake. Dogs are not allowed.
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,200 ft
About Bridal Veil Falls
This Bridal Veil Falls is the waterfall that feeds Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon, east of Glenwood Springs in White River National Forest. It is not the 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls near Telluride. The Hanging Lake Trail climbs about 1,200 feet in 1.2 miles to the lake, and a timed-entry permit is required year-round. Spouting Rock, a waterfall you can walk behind, is about 200 feet above the lake.
The Setting
Bridal Veil Falls sits at 7,211 feet within White River National Forest, in the high mountains of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Spouting Rock (#1850.1), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
SPOUTING ROCK #1850.1
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.08 miTrail Description
The Hanging Lake Trail is 1.2 miles one way (2.4 miles round trip) with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain. It is steep, rocky and rugged in places, with rock steps, switchbacks and seven bridges, and is rated moderate to strenuous.
What to Expect
Bridal Veil Falls pours into Hanging Lake, a small clear lake at the top of the trail, and Spouting Rock sits about 200 feet above it. Swimming, wading and putting any body part in the lake are prohibited.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets are not allowed on the Hanging Lake Trail, only trained service animals, and pets may not be left in vehicles.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $12.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bridal Veil Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall is flowing at its fullest.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with White River National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 41°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The trail is steep and can be slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Hikers should exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear. Be prepared for sudden weather changes in the mountains.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Colorado River, 6.8 miles away, not on Bridal Veil Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
481 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 85 years of record
1.70 ft
Water depth at gauge
41°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 41 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect very murky conditions with low visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.0 and mineral content is moderate.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
pH
NormalWithin healthy range (6.5-8.5)
Water Clarity
Slightly cloudyMinor sediment present
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge COLORADO RIVER NEAR DOTSERO, CO (11 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
481 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
486 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
491 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
491 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
525 cfs
3/10Sun
Barely Flowing
505 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
486 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near No Name hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Bridal Veil Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Bridal Veil Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 26°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 481 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Colorado.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The trailhead is at the Hanging Lake Rest Area off Interstate 70 (Exit 125) in Glenwood Canyon, east of Glenwood Springs. Drop-offs by private vehicle are allowed, but Uber, taxis and other ride-shares are not, and private-vehicle pickups must be done by 4:00 PM.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking at the trailhead is included with your permit. Vehicles over 25 feet are not allowed. Each permit covers a 3-hour window, and you should arrive within 30 minutes of your reservation time.
Elevation
7,211 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.601650° N, -107.191997° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS Restricted Access
Visitor Tips & Gear
Reserve a permit at visitglenwood.com/hanginglake before you go. Wear sturdy shoes for the steep, rocky trail and bring water.
This trail sits at 7,211 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 29% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This challenging 2.4 miles trail gains 1,200 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
Where to Stay
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood Springs Inn
Hotel Glenwood Springs
Quality Inn & Suites On The River
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Deep Creek Day Use Area
7.5 miles away · 0 sites
Deep Creek canyon has outstanding scenic qualities related to the sheer-walled canyon, water resources, and riparian vegetation. The Deep Creek area has 5 sites that have picnic tables and fire rings. Camp at designated marked campsites only. Must pack out human waste or use the vault toilet a bit farther up the road. No cat holes are allowed due to the proximity of the creek to the sites. Follow White-Nose Syndrome decontamination protocol if exploring underground in the area.
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Nearby Attractions
The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path, Grizzly Creek, and the town of Glenwood Springs.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as deer, marmots, and various bird species. Be cautious and avoid feeding or approaching animals.
Cities near Bridal Veil Falls
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