Upper Falls

Upper Falls is found in Provo Canyon about two-thirds of a mile east of Bridal Veil Falls, but it is not nearly as easily visible. The best views of the falls are had from either the old Provo Canyon Road which parallels Highway 189, about 8/10 of a mile east of Bridal Veil Falls, or from a parking area off Highway 189 about the same distance east from the similar parking area found at Bridal Veil Falls. Either location is found about 4-1/2 miles east of the junction of Highways 189 and 52 in Orem.Upper Falls is the lesser known and considerably more hidden little sibling to Provo Canyon's famous Bridal Veil Falls. The falls occur in the next canyon to the east from Bridal Veil Falls, rather than above it as the name may suggest at cursory glance. Like Bridal Veil Falls, Upper Falls is split between multiple distinct steps over a longer stretch of stream, but in this case not quite as consolidated as Bridal Veil is. Though Google Earth makes it seem apparent that there are four distinct tiers to the falls, we haven't been able to confirm exactly how many steps there are. Four tiers can be made out in the available imagery over a linear run of about 500 feet, with the largest tier being the uppermost drop. About 150 linear feet separates the upper and second tiers, and another 100 linear feet separates the second and third tiers. Only two tiers are visible from the road along the bottom of Provo Canyon, and though scrambling up to the base of the falls is possible, again on the lowest tiers of the falls are visible. The largest tier appears to be the uppermost tier. The total height of the falls looks to be at least 150 feet (potentially more), but only the two final steps of perhaps 60 feet or so (30 feet each) can be readily seen. We were not able to accurately measure any of the falls on our initial survey of the falls in October 2017. The stream producing Upper Falls is primarily spring fed, and retains a moderately consistent flow throughout the year. The basin above the falls covers an area of approximately two-thirds of a square mile, and while winter snow will help to ensure good streamflow during the spring and early summer months, the area is otherwise fairly arid the stream will rely entirely on its source of resurgence to sustain its flow.