We wanted to get an early start on our 52 Hike Challenge, but we’d never done a winter hike before. We weren’t at all sure how the boys would do in the snow and cold, so we decided to keep it simple and make our first hike a short, familiar one. Bridal Veil Falls seemed like a natural choice because this hike runs about one mile roundtrip along a paved trail to the base of a beautiful waterfall. This is the perfect beginner winter hike.

The parking lot at Bridal Veil Falls is closed in winter months. Still, there was enough room outside the parking lot for us to fit our van. We’ve had a lot of snow this year, and the trail is not maintained, but it had been well traveled and many feet had already packed the snow very nicely. It was cold and a little windy in the canyon, so we were glad that we had boots, snow pants, gloves, scarves, hats, and many layers underneath. The boys were especially excited because they got to use their Camelbaks that they got for Christmas.


This trail leads slightly uphill for a half mile to the base of the falls. Along the way we admired the icicles in the river, and along the mountainside. There is definitely a different beauty in the winter than the summer, so it was a great experience to be out hiking in January. We stopped along the bridge to take a look before continuing along the trail. This trail does have an uphill slant toward the waterfall, but it is not steep or difficult at all.

If you haven’t seen Bridal Veil Falls, you should. It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Utah. There were no fish to feed, but the icicles clinging to the mountainside made up for it. One year the waterfall was flowing as normal surrounded by ice. Another year the waterfall was mostly frozen. Either way, Bridal Veil Falls is beautiful in winter.


After completing the hike to Bridal Veil Falls, we decided to drive up the canyon to Vivian Park and look around. We drove out South Fork Road all the way to Big Springs Park where we spotted deer, elk, and even moose. This is the first time we’ve seen these three ungulates on the same day.
We had so much fun that we decided to try a new hike every week this year! Check out our list of Family Friendly Winter Hikes in Utah, or if you are looking for info on Bridal Veil Falls in warmer weather or directions to Bridal Veil Falls, click here.
