Near Bells Canyon Trail
After turning off the dirt road, you'll be greeted with an awesome view.
Near Bells Canyon Trail
Mountain View in August
Near Bells Canyon Trail
waterfall in august
Near Bells Canyon Trail
trail to waterfall
Near Bells Canyon Trail
Bells Canyon Lower Falls with mountain backdrop. Aug 31 2018

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Bells Canyon Trail

4.6 (22 Ratings)
A trail leading to two reservoirs and a waterfall with stunning views. Easy access.
4.6
mi
Distance
4,203
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
LakeRiver/CreekViewsWaterfall

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.58mi
Distance
4,203ft
Elevation Gain
54ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
9,399ft
High Point
5,231ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
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). After another half-mile, 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. Most people stop here, but if you're feeling adventurous, why not take the trail to its end? Backtrack to the main trail and head up another 1.5-2 miles, through forest, meadows, and boulder fields, creekside, until you make it to Upper Bell Canyon Reservoir. It's part of the Salt Lake watershed, so you can't swim in it, but it offers great views of the surrounding peaks. Camp near the reservoir (at least 200 feet from the water), if you want to stay overnight before heading back down.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Packed snow on the trail. Passable in boots, micro spikes recommended.
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Nearby Hike Routes

Quick Bell Canyon Loop

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Quick Bell Canyon Loop

Fall Colors
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+516 ft
Bells Canyon Lower Waterfall

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Bells Canyon Lower Waterfall

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moderate
5.22 mi
+1,630 ft
Bells Canyon Lower Falls

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Bells Canyon Lower Falls

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moderate
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+1,569 ft
Bells Canyon Trail Hike

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Bells Canyon Trail Hike

Lake
easy
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+539 ft
Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir Loop

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Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir Loop

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moderate
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+536 ft
Upper Bell Canyon Reservoir

Hike Route

Upper Bell Canyon Reservoir

Lake
extreme
9.24 mi
+4,304 ft
Contributors
Chris Seiple