Hike to Bridal Veil Falls
6.6 Miles
Hiking
Intermediate
Year Round
Out-and-Back
Hike through meadows and forest in Rocky Mountain National Park. A short scramble towards the end takes you to the falls.
This 20-ft waterfall is accessible via Cow Creek Trail, which starts out through a meadow where elk are sometimes seen. The trail then heads into the forest, followed by a short scramble before the falls. Wildflowers add extra appeal to this scenic trail in the spring and summer.
Photo Credit: Steve Rapport
Community Photos
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Good early season hike
Well defined trail paralleling cow creek the whole time. The majority of the elevation gain comes once you get closer to the falls (the last 1/4 mile). Not a lot of wildlife to report, mule deer at beginning and some curious chipmunks at the falls. The falls were pushing a lot of volume due to snow melt. I didn't go to the top of the waterfall but will have to next time!
Go to the top
The loop encompassing Bridal Veil Falls was my first backpacking trip in the Rockies. Using the left side of the waterfall, hike up to the top of the waterfall. The views are amazing, great spot for lunch.
Great Hike
My friends and I made our way to bridal Veil Fall's yesterday it was a beautiful hike that took you through meadows, forests, and then climbing up a rocky area that was quite fun! In the very beginning of the hike we saw two female elk grazing in the meadow and had a snake cross the trail right in front of us! The 3.2 mile trek to the falls is highly worth it and as an added bonus we followed a path that took us above the Bridal Veil falls and gave us a few of other falls as well as an amazing view of the surrounding mountains! We started out later in the day and didn't have enough time to hit Gem Lake or Balanced rock which we wish we would have!
