Hammock the Eagles nest above Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is in Provo Canyon which is accessible from either Provo/Orem to the South or Heber Valley to the North. There are a couple other posts on arriving to Bridal Veil Falls so I will focus on the new material needed for this hike. The trail is very exposed with sheer drops that you do not want to fall down. People have died so take caution, and go with someone who has already been if you can help it. In addition to the cliffs and exposure, this hike requires the aid of fixed, anchored ropes and wires that may or may not be in the best condition so use your judgement and know your limits. Always check the weather before going, you don't want to be stuck on a cliffside in the rain etc.

There are portapotties and dumpsters in the parking lot across from the falls but there are better facilities and a water fountain at Nuns park, a mile west from the falls through the underpass of the highway ( but it closes in the winter).

Begin Coordinates : 40.341198, -111.602634Eagles Nest coordinates : 40.337455, -111.602600

The Trail:From the Base of the falls, the trailhead is located almost directly across from the bridge next to a small pavilion and is well marked. Follow the trail and it will lead you to the bottom of the falls. There is a steep and rocky path with a wire cable in place for help climbing located just before you get to the actual falls ( stay on the East side, don't cross to the west) As you follow the wire cable, you should be able to find a pretty well worn path that will lead you away from the falls and higher on the cliffside ( there will be at least one other cable in place and some scrambling) the trail sort of disappears when you end up on a rocky ledge ( there is usually some moisture or flowing/trickling water at this point) Cross the trickle and look for a diagonal cut in the rock cliff just above you, that is the path. This path will take to the top of the lower Bridal Veil falls, but you will see that the path continues up towards the upper falls, a narrower cascade, but I think it's cooler than the lower falls. Get up close to the falls (upper) and cross to the west side and find the path on a ledge there. As you follow the path it continues westward until you reach a dead end. This is where the "fun" part begins, climb/scramble your way up the rock face at the dead end, (there should be a cable there but I don't really trust it and you don't really need it) From above your short scramble, pick up the trail on the left and continue back towards the falls, but stop when you see the large V shaped ravine. You will again scramble your way up this ravine ( this is the crux of the hike remember to trust yourself and sure footing over a rope or cable that you know nothing about) and pick up the trail again on the left which will then take you to the top of the Upper Bridal Veil falls. From here you follow the stream ( there will usually be some sort of trail on the side which might be overgrown) about 500 ft over a small cascade and over a large rock pile where the stream disappears under the rocks and logs. The trail picks up on the right (East) side of the stream (someone painted an arrow pointing the way last time I went). Follow the trail until you find those wire cables again, follow the cables up the steep forested mountainside, the dirt path is well worn and once you reach the end of the cable, you are almost there, follow the trail as it traverses across the rest of the way on a ledge on an old chain link fence until you reach the Eagles Nest.
ENJOY!!
Be careful on timing if you are planning on getting back down in a designated timeframe. With the right friends you can get to the top in an hour, but if there is hesitancy or beginners, expect delays.Set up a slackline, some hammocks, hang out, take pictures have a good time and return the same way you came up.

If camping/ Hammocking overnight, it gets chilly, there are canyon winds especially in the morning and evening, we camped in June, but It was still a cold night. Use leave no trace principles. Just because other people vandalize the place doesn't mean that you have to.

-RB