Bridal Veil Falls
Colorado • 365 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
4.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a 365-foot (111 m) waterfall that drops at the end of a box canyon overlooking Telluride, Colorado. Framed by steep canyon walls, the falls are reached by hiking and off-road routes and are notable for the small hydroelectric power plant perched at their top. In winter the cascade freezes into an imposing sheet of ice that attracts experienced ice climbers, while warmer months reward visitors with dramatic views into the canyon and down toward Telluride. The most common approach to the falls is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. Trails that pass the falls are shared by hikers and off-road users, so expect open, multi-use access rather than a narrow footpath. The setting is rugged and scenic—ideal for a half-day outing if you want a close-up of the waterfall and the surrounding box canyon.
The Setting
Bridal Veil Falls sits at 10,276 feet along the South Fork San Miguel River, in the high alpine of Colorado. At 365 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Colorado.
Height: 365 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail is an out-and-back route approximately 2.4 miles long with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate. Much of the route follows a steep dirt/rock road used by both hikers and off-road vehicles, so footing can be rocky and uneven in places. The grade is steady as you ascend into the box canyon toward the falls; summer conditions are typically dry and dusty. In winter the road and approaches can be icy or snow-covered, and the falls freeze into a large ice feature that draws climbers—conditions that make the route more challenging and potentially hazardous. Pack appropriate footwear, traction devices in snowy/icy months, and water for a short but exposed climb to the falls.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 365 feet. Dogs are welcome.
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 allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bridal Veil Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, as the road is typically clear of snow and the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.
Safety Information
The road and trail can be slippery and dangerous during rain or snow. Hikers should be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry appropriate gear. Avoid climbing on the rocks near the falls, as they can be wet and slippery.
Current Water Conditions
70 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 14 years of record
1.91 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
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 SOUTH FORK SAN MIGUEL RIVER NEAR OPHIR, CO (12 km away).
Today
Strong
70 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Roaring
78 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
78 cfs
6/10Tue
Strong
76 cfs
8/10Wed
Roaring
80 cfs
6/10Thu
Strong
77 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
76 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to mid 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 Telluride hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 509 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 365 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 10,289 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 166 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 469 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 10,289 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 509 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bridal Veil Falls is located at the end of a 4-mile dirt road just outside Telluride, Colorado. The road is steep and rough, requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to drive up to the base of the falls. Alternatively, visitors can hike up the road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the base of the dirt road leading to the falls. During peak seasons, parking may be limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
10,276 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.919167° N, -107.769968° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during summer. If driving, ensure your vehicle is high-clearance and 4WD. Check weather and road conditions before visiting, as the road can become impassable during rain or snow.
This trail sits at 10,276 ft — roughly 30% less oxygen than sea level
Extreme AltitudeAt this elevation, altitude sickness is a real concern. Monitor how you feel, take frequent rest breaks, and descend if symptoms worsen. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should allow time to acclimatize.
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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.
Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)
Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.
Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex
Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Monitor blood oxygen in real time — SpO2 commonly drops to 85–90% above 10,000 ft.
Where to Stay
The Hotel Telluride
Mountain Lodge Telluride
Ouray Riverside Resort - Inn & Cabins
The Victorian Inn
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
South Mineral Campground
7.9 miles away · 0 sites
South Mineral Campground, located along South Mineral Creek, is one of the most popular campgrounds in the San Juan National Forest. The campground has 26 sites, all of which are first-come, first-serve. Most campsites are shaded and well-spaced thanks to spruce and fir trees. Some sites are handicapped accessible. Some sites have large parking areas.Services include water, trash pickup, fire grates, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Bear-safe food storage is recommended. No electricity. Between
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the town of Telluride, the Telluride Gondola, and other hiking trails in the San Juan Mountains.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as deer, marmots, and various bird species. Be cautious of bears and mountain lions in the area.
Cities near Bridal Veil Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Bridal Veil Falls
24 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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