Near Bells Canyon Lower Waterfall
Near Bells Canyon Lower Waterfall
Near Bells Canyon Lower Waterfall
Near Bells Canyon Lower Waterfall
Near Bells Canyon Lower Waterfall

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Hike Route

Bells Canyon Lower Waterfall

4.4 (48 Ratings)
A great hike to a reservoir and a waterfall with stunning views and easy access.
5.2
mi
Distance
1,630
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
LakeViewsWaterfall

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.22mi
Distance
1,630ft
Elevation Gain
1,630ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
6,726ft
High Point
5,231ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Starting at the Granite Trailhead, you'll head up a relatively steep grade for about 0.3 miles (nothing too scary, but the difficulty may surprise if you're out of shape). After a few minutes of downhill, you'll head up to the Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir. There are trails around the reservoir, but stay to the left if you want to hit the waterfall.You'll follow a dirt road around the left of the reservoir for about 0.2 miles before turning left, back onto the Bells Canyon Trail (it's well-marked). Another half-mile and you'll be at a nice creek crossing with a wooden bridge and crystal clear mountain water. This is a great place to stop for a rest.Continue on the trail into National Forest land for about a mile until you reach a trail junction at a large fir tree. It's not marked, but there is a well-worn trail that deviates to the left -- this is the side trail to the lower waterfall. Be careful here, as it's quite steep as you approach the falls, but it's definitely worth it. If you want to picnic, there's a great spot on some exposed rocks just below the falls.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Chris Seiple