Sometimes life puts you in a rut: too fixed in a routine and in need of fresh air. A change of scenery can change your mind, and what better way than to take an adventure? How about a hike to a gorgeous waterfall, followed by a historic train ride to the longest zipline course of your life? This trip begins in Provo, Utah. Picture a cascading waterfall with a history, met at the end of a short, easy hike along the Provo River Parkway.
Bridal Veil Falls shares an interesting history including the origin of its name. In the 1800s, some of the local people thought the year-round stream of water cascaded like a veil.
Ken Lund/Flickr Water flows from springs dotting Cascade Mountain, over the edge of a 607-foot-high cliff. Swimming and feeding the fish are allowed at the fishpond near the trailhead.
The trail starts out flat and paved, smooth enough for a stroller or wheelchair to roll on.
Lydoc/TripAdvisor In most places it is about three feet wide. Free shade comes with a canopy of trees.
The trail follows closely along the fast-moving Provo River, so watch out for cyclists sharing the road.
Skwiki/TripAdvisor If you pay attention, you might see some fish, as the river is home to some of the biggest trout in the state.
The wooded trail is perfect for all family members, with the majority of the 1.4-mile round trip at a 5% or less grade category.
Amhaglund, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons The portion up to the falls has a more challenging terrain of wet dirt and rocks.
The Bridal Veil Falls Observation Trail is only 0.10 miles round trip.
An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons It is considered the most accessible and easy route, taking about three minutes to complete.
It is a short walk to the lower falls.
An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons On hot days, the chill from the mist brings relief.
Hikers stop for a bite at the picnic areas along the way.
Olga/TripAdvisor And bring the dogs, who are welcome if they are on a leash.
The winter months continue to attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Ken Lund/Flickr Stairway to Heaven, an area to the right of the falls, attracts experienced ice climbers from around the world.
The trail is part of the Provo River Parkway, offering a constant display of natural beauty.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jogger_on_Snow_Covered_River_Trail_-_panoramio.jpg Parking is available in two areas of the paved parking lot off of Old Provo Canyon Road at the southwest end of the trail.
Head out to your next adventure - a Zipline & Train Ride - beginning about a half hour away.
Heber Valley Railroad/Facebook Board a train at the Heber Valley Railroad and enjoy a trip through the valley’s lush pastures and around the Deer Creek Reservoir. The ticket Includes a gourmet boxed lunch of your choice: ham, roast beef, turkey, or vegetarian.
Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir’s 2,680-acre surface area is managed by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation.
Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Stream fishing is allowed both above and below the reservoir in the Provo River. Fish species in this recreation area include smallmouth and largemouth bass, and rainbow trout.
The historic train pulls in to Zipline Utah, the company hosting the course, and you’ll load into a van just below the Deer Creek Dam.
Ravi Rishi, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons After a trip to the nearby Deer Creek Reservoir zip line launching point, prepare to experience the breathtaking views and delightful thrills this trip will bring.
The top of the platform offers panoramic views of Deer Creek Reservoir and the vast Wasatch Mountain Range.
Zipline Utah The two-mile ride offers 10 zip lines and seven suspension aerial bridges. The course lasts between 2 and 3-1/2 hours.
Adventurers on this ride are treated to the Screaming Falcon.
Zipline Utah This zipline over Rainbow Bay is the longest - 3,900 feet - in the world over water.
Soar through the air at speeds up to 65 mph. The course never touches the ground.
Zipline Utah And for those who are afraid, the stunning views will put you at ease.
Guides are met at this yurt, where merchandise is available for those wanting a keepsake of their trip.
Zipline Utah No prior experience is necessary, and participants must be at least 12 years old, weigh at least 90 plus pounds, or tandem a big line with a guide. The weight limit for the ride is 250 pounds.
A double adventure like this one might seem like a huge undertaking. But you are worth the investment, and who knows, you might just fall in love. Find out more about the waterfall. And to book a trip on Heber Valley Railroad’s Zipline & Train Ride, click here. More information about the zipline courses is available at Zipline Utah.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Water flows from springs dotting Cascade Mountain, over the edge of a 607-foot-high cliff. Swimming and feeding the fish are allowed at the fishpond near the trailhead.
Lydoc/TripAdvisor
In most places it is about three feet wide. Free shade comes with a canopy of trees.
Skwiki/TripAdvisor
If you pay attention, you might see some fish, as the river is home to some of the biggest trout in the state.
Amhaglund, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The portion up to the falls has a more challenging terrain of wet dirt and rocks.
An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
It is considered the most accessible and easy route, taking about three minutes to complete.
On hot days, the chill from the mist brings relief.
Olga/TripAdvisor
And bring the dogs, who are welcome if they are on a leash.
Stairway to Heaven, an area to the right of the falls, attracts experienced ice climbers from around the world.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jogger_on_Snow_Covered_River_Trail_-_panoramio.jpg
Parking is available in two areas of the paved parking lot off of Old Provo Canyon Road at the southwest end of the trail.
Heber Valley Railroad/Facebook
Board a train at the Heber Valley Railroad and enjoy a trip through the valley’s lush pastures and around the Deer Creek Reservoir. The ticket Includes a gourmet boxed lunch of your choice: ham, roast beef, turkey, or vegetarian.
Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Stream fishing is allowed both above and below the reservoir in the Provo River. Fish species in this recreation area include smallmouth and largemouth bass, and rainbow trout.
Ravi Rishi, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
After a trip to the nearby Deer Creek Reservoir zip line launching point, prepare to experience the breathtaking views and delightful thrills this trip will bring.
Zipline Utah
The two-mile ride offers 10 zip lines and seven suspension aerial bridges. The course lasts between 2 and 3-1/2 hours.
This zipline over Rainbow Bay is the longest - 3,900 feet - in the world over water.
And for those who are afraid, the stunning views will put you at ease.
No prior experience is necessary, and participants must be at least 12 years old, weigh at least 90 plus pounds, or tandem a big line with a guide. The weight limit for the ride is 250 pounds.
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Address: Bridal Veil Falls, Provo, UT 84604, USAAddress: Heber Valley Railroad, 450 S 6th W, Heber City, UT 84032, USA
