At 431 feet, Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado's tallest. In September, water flows are fairly low, so the water hugs the cliff for most of its descent. The historic structure between the two falls is the former Smuggler-Union hydroelectric plant, which provided Telluride's electricity from 1904 until 1954. It is now a private residence with a commanding view of the San Miguel Valley and the town of Telluride.
Bridal Veil Falls, CO03-116-4A, Telluride, Colorado | ©2003 Jeff Blaylock
The road is a one-way back into Telluride (downhill) from the top of the falls all the way back to the begginning of what is Black Bear Pass, starting on Red Mountain. The house is indeed now a private residence, however the the tenant (who was granted a 99 year lease) has restored the original hydroelectric generator and actually still supplements power to the town of Telluride. I got engaged at the base of the falls in May, 2001 but we married at Peaceful Valley, South of Estes Park. The base of the falls is open to the public, the residence and top are restricted however, as of my last visit, you could still access the old 4-wheel drive road upriver from the falls by foot only, leading to the trailheads for hiking to Silver Lake and Blue lake. FYI, Alta Lakes was the sight of the first alternating current electrical transmission in the world and is just over the Ophir Needles as the transmission came from the old powerplant atop the falls. Alta lakes does have an exclusive lodge available for weddings/retreats. For equally impressive views of the falls, try Imogene pass (4 wheel drive only) as it hugs the cliffs on the way up, over, and out of the box canyon that encompasses the town of Telluride. Great photos by the way!
My comment is almost identical to Christy's from June '06. I live in Illinois, plan to marry in Telluride in August 2007, and we would like to get married at Bridal Veil Falls. Can anyone make suggestions as to how to set this up and an officiate to use? It will just be he and I. We were planning a vacation to Telluride and decided to get married while we were there. Thanks!
What is the name of the road taken to get to the falls? How is it accessed? Thanks,
Joe
Jeff replies, Black Bear Pass Road. I do not advise driving it beyond the parking area near the old power station. There are some good views of the falls from lower switchbacks before reaching the old station.
This is a really amazing place! I have heard that the old hydro-power house is now a lodge/hotel? Is that true? I am looking for a place to stay that is totally unique for the 1st night of my Honeymoon in Sept 06...so if this place is a hotel I'd love to know! Thanks, your art is really beautiful.
Kate
Christy,
A web site that might help you is http://westerncoweddings.com/ It offers a free guide on getting married in Western Colorado.
Mike,
You can drive right up to the top of the falls. It is the Black Bear Pass road. I don't recommend driving it any further than the falls area.
I will be getting married in Telluride in June, 2007. I hear that Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful place to get married, but I am not sure where; at the top? the bottom? going down it? I'm not sure. If anybody has any suggestions about getting married at this beautiful location, or evan a better location, please let me know!
Thank you for all the help!
Christy:)
This is a very beautiful waterfall. How do you arrive at the outlook to take this view?
Thanks for any help
Mike