Utah County's Big Plan for Scenic Attraction Hinges on Land Deal

A Growing Challenge at Bridal Veil Falls

A family bike ride along the Provo River Parkway Trail took an unexpected turn on a sweltering Saturday in July. The group found themselves stuck at a chokepoint near Bridal Veil Falls, where dozens of people had gathered around a narrow, makeshift footbridge. The area, known for its breathtaking waterfall, had become a hotspot for visitors, with runners, walkers, and cyclists jostling for space on the path. Kids splashed in the pond or cooled their feet, while others threw rocks into the pool. Families posed for photos, capturing the moment amid the chaos.

This scene is becoming increasingly common at Bridal Veil Falls, a popular attraction in Provo Canyon. While people have always flocked to the spot to admire the 607-foot-tall double cataract, the situation has grown more complicated since an avalanche destroyed a wider bridge in 2023. Now, bike-pedestrian collisions are frequent, and injuries—and even deaths—have occurred on unsanctioned trails leading up to the falls.

The area lacks proper amenities, making the experience both uncomfortable and unsafe for visitors. Utah County is looking to change that, but first, it needs to secure land owned by the U.S. Forest Service. Initially, the county proposed swapping its own land near Vivian Park for federal property at Bridal Veil Falls. However, this plan is no longer viable. Instead, the Forest Service may convey nearly 39 acres to the county without requiring anything in return. This would require congressional approval, and Rep. Mike Kennedy, R-Utah, is working on legislation to facilitate the transfer.

Enhancement Plans for a Safer Experience

Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran emphasized the need for change. “It’s become very busy,” he said. “One of the main reasons we’re doing this is to remove bike traffic from the base of the falls so there’s no conflict between bikers and viewers and pedestrians.”

Last year, the county proposed building a bridge to separate cyclists and pedestrians, but the idea was rejected by the Forest Service. That led to the current effort to obtain the land. Beltran argued that the county is better equipped to manage natural resources than government agencies in Washington, D.C.

If the county secures the property, it plans to build a pavilion with picnic tables, improve the trails, and construct a separate path for cyclists. The pavilions would be designed to minimize damage and allow for less expensive rebuilding in the event of another avalanche, Beltran said.

The steep gravel trail leading to the lower falls would also be widened and paved. The existing path is treacherous, leading to injuries from falls and falling rocks that often require emergency services. Beltran estimated the project would cost $4 million to $5 million, funded through the county’s transient room tax. Public hearings will be held to finalize the plan.

A History of Controversy and Change

Bridal Veil Falls has been the subject of debate for decades. In the 1990s, an aerial tram house, gift shop, and railroad caboose snack shop once occupied the area. The tram took visitors 1,288 feet up to the Eagle’s Nest Lodge and Restaurant, which later became a venue for special events. However, a massive snow slide on New Year’s Day in 1996 severely damaged the buildings, pushed the train car into the Provo River, and destroyed a bridge over the river. The owners did not rebuild, and the remains were eventually removed.

In 2015, Utah County bought the falls and some surrounding land for $2.4 million, but it did not include the Forest Service property it now seeks. The county has turned down offers to sell the land, including one in 2020 from a Utah businessman who wanted to rebuild the tram and lodge. The lawsuit that followed was dismissed.

In 2022, the Utah Legislature designated the waterfall as a state monument, to be managed by the county. Earlier, in 2021, the legislature appropriated $1.2 million for a feasibility study and improvements to the area.

Recent Challenges and Ongoing Efforts

In January 2023, an avalanche covered the entire base of the falls, pushed snow onto U.S. 189, and dammed the river. It also buried a footbridge that served as a gathering spot. Crews removed the debris and built the narrow bridge that exists today. Despite these efforts, the challenges at Bridal Veil Falls continue, and the county remains committed to finding a long-term solution that balances safety, accessibility, and preservation.