Upper Falls is a beautiful waterfall only a steep 0.3 miles from the Provo Parkway, east of Bridal Veil Falls and Bridesmaid Falls, and across the canyon from Lost Creek Falls. The 0.6 Upper Falls hike is not well known, but a great one for people short on time. My kids didn’t have trouble, but toddlers would struggle with the steepness. This post is about going beyond to the higher tier. I would not recommend this for young children, since it’s closer to drop offs.
Upper Falls is a beautiful waterfall only a steep 0.3 miles from the Provo Parkway, east of Bridal Veil Falls and Bridesmaid Falls, and across the canyon from Lost Creek Falls. The 0.6 Upper Falls hike is not well known, but a great one for people short on time. My kids didn’t have trouble, but toddlers would struggle with the steepness. This post is about going beyond to the higher tier. I would not recommend this for young children, since it’s closer to drop offs.
The trail begins beyond Bridal Veil Falls at the the Upper Falls parking lot. There are a few picnic tables and fire pits for day use. Cross the bridge and walk up to the Provo Parkway Trail, which is a paved bike and pedestrian path that goes up the canyon. Just to the right of the cement structure, head up the mountain. Last time I hiked this trail, it was covered in graffiti, but now it looks a bit better. The trail goes through the trees and heads up with a consistent incline.
Soon the trees open up and you will hear the waterfall. Then you get your first glimpse. From a distance you can see the upper level that is not well known. We’ll be going up there.
We walked around a bit at the base of the falls so I could take photos from different angles. There was also a cool log. With the bark worn off you could see the paths that termites or ants had carved.
To the left of the falls there is a path that hugs the canyon wall. It is quite well defined and not too steep. If it looks like it ended at the canyon wall, look for the path a little further out. The foliage can partially hide it.
As you get higher there is a split in the trail. Take the right path up higher to return towards the waterfall.
When you are nearly back to the falls you can go down to a little viewpoint, but it’s not that impressive. You can’t really see the falls very well.
The views down the canyon and across to the other side show off the fall colors.
Apparently there are four levels to this waterfall. You can kind of see the third level as you approach the second. There is a rope that leads up higher, but I didn’t climb it.
The second falls are beautiful!
We also explored the path that headed off to the left from the trail split. It is also a defined trail, but it eventually ends. Here is the view of Upper Falls from there.
I tried out some long exposure photos of the waterfall tiers.
I haven’t tried the higher tier in winter, but the base is beautiful! Be sure to wear microspikes.
Stats to base of Upper Falls:
Distance – 0.6 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 30-90 minutes
Elevation gain – 557 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – April-November
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Stats to second tier of Upper Falls:
Distance – 1 mile there and back
Approximate hiking time – 1-2 hours
Elevation gain – About 600 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – April-October
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Stats to the base from Winter Gate:
Distance – 3.0 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 1-3 hours
Elevation gain – 557 feet
Difficulty – Moderate/Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – Year Round (use microspikes in winter)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
