Bell Canyon

Salt Lake City

Bells Canyon is a very steep, long trail that takes you past beautiful waterfalls and into the rugged heart of the Wasatch Mountains.

Hiking Difficult

Distance: 15 km
Ascent: 1.3 km
Descent: 1.3 km
Duration: 5-6 hrs

Low Point: 1.6 km
High Point: 2.9 km
Gradient: 16˚

Bells Canyon trail is a Wasatch classic. You start right from the valley floor at the Granite Trailhead, pass by a beautiful reservoir, and enjoy a shady, steep hike along the water rushing down the canyon. One of the highlights, and often even the destination, is the lower waterfall. The two prominent waterfalls lower in the canyon draw a fair amount of traffic, but most people don't go beyond these attractions.

View of Salt Lake Valley down the Bells Canyon Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

North walls of the Bells Canyon Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

The meadow above the Upper Falls in Bells Canyon Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

The north slopes of Bells Canyon around the meadow above the Upper Falls in Bells Canyon Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

Look back at the Bells Canyon, Utah Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

The bright Sun is reflecting from some stone slabs. The meadow above the Upper Falls in Bells Canyon Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

At Bell's Canyon, near Little Cottonwood Canyon Photo: baka_san

The trail up Bells Canyon Photo: baka_san

Description

If you continue on you'll pop out into an upper meadow. From here, the trail crosses the stream and switches back through the woods, heading south.

This trail will take you to the Upper Bells Canyon Reservoir and then into the upper basin beneath Lone Peak. It's very rugged and full of boulders, which makes following the trail difficult. Follow the rock cairns, or create your own route through the rocks.

The trail can be very wet from all the run-off in the spring months, so wear proper footwear.

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

Similar routes nearby

1.8 km away

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