Bells Canyon Lower Falls

One of the most popular waterfalls in the Salt Lake area, the lower falls at Bells Canyon gets a surprising number of people considering the steep pitch in the trail's last half-mile. The close proximity to town and the beauty of the canyon and large falls keep a steady stream of people on this trail. Most people do the lake trail, but to get to the falls you will take a left at the lake and a left a quarter-mile up the hill. It is well marked the entire way. From the fork, the waterfall is 1.2 miles away, but keep in mind that the last section is very steep. There is a beautiful meadow just after you start on the waterfall trail where you can see right up Bells Canyon as well as farther south down the Wasatch Front. Compared to the heavily exposed lower half, the trail is shaded with foliage from here on. The creek begins to hug the trail, and there are several small flat waterfalls as you head up. After a small stream crossing you make the last ascent and take a left at the final sign pointing you in the correct direction. You pop out at the top of the falls and can descend to the base, which is steep and now slippery thanks to the crashing mist. If you continue farther downstream, there is a large grass and granite meadow with awesome views downcanyon into Salt Lake Valley. There are some steep drop-offs, so keep your eyes on the young ones. Hiking poles would be helpful at the end of the trail, but they are not really necessary before that. The waterfall sits in a stunning canyon with jagged granite peaks on one side and sweeping vistas of Salt Lake City on the other, but you don't get to really see it without working your way below the falls. There are great wildflowers to be seen in the late spring and early summer. Moose and deer are very common here as well. No dogs are allowed on this hike. Parking can be an issue, and they are giving tickets for parking along the road outside of the lot.