Bells Canyon Waterfall is in the canyon just south of Little Cottonwood Canyon, and apart of the watershed, so dogs are banned from this trail. 

 

About

The trail passes Bells Canyon Reservoir, passes the waterfall, and actually leads to an upper pond, 4.5 miles one way. This was our goal on Saturday, but as we quickly got soaked from the downpour of rain at 7am, we knew that wasn’t going to happen for us.

Most people hike to the waterfall, and at only 2.3 miles one way, it makes for a great after work hike, or a family hike on weekends. However, this trail is very popular year round and every day, so even if you arrive early (like we did), the parking lot can still be full. Bells Canyon gives you a little taste of everything the Wasatch Mountains have to offer – a beautiful meadow with flowers in Spring time, a stream, a reservoir, giant slabs of granite, shade, and of course, a 40 ft waterfall as your reward.

Directions

From SLC, head south on I-215 and take exit 6 for Wasatch Blvd. Head south on Wasatch Blvd, past the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon and the 7-11. Turn right on Wasatch Blvd, then left on E Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd. The TH and parking will be immediately on your right, with the “Granite Trailhead” sign. There are restrooms available. No fees required.

 

Trail Info

Distance: 5 miles RTElevation gain: 1,490 ftTime: 2-4 hoursDog friendly? No, dogs not allowedKid friendly? Yes

 Pulling into the trailhead at 7am – the parking lot was already half full.

 The trail starts to the left of these signs reminding you that dogs aren’t allowed.

 Working our way up the small switchbacks. We can see that we were all covered head to toe in rain gear.

 Looking across to where the trail leads.

 At about 0.6 miles you will reach Bells Canyon Reservoir. This is a great spot to take the little hikers, and just explore around here.

 Once you reach the reservoir, head left up the wide old, dirt road. A few minutes up this road, look to your left for the Bells Canyon Trail sign, and take this. The clouds were really starting to sock in the canyon.

 Cross the bridge. I always make fun of this bridge saying, “I guess the forest service had to make some cuts and not finish the other railing on the bridge!” haha

 It was raining so hard the trail turned into a river!

 Still smiling even with the rain.

 Stopping to admire the beautiful, raging stream.

 After you cross this little stream along the trail (which seems to run year-round), the trail split will be to your left. If you head right, the trail begins to get even steeper, and you know you went too far.

 Hike your way down to the base of the falls. Be careful, as everything is slippery and wet, especially during a rainstorm! This is where you want to keep a good eye on kids.

 Bells Canyon Waterfall was raging!

Hiking back down, and seeing Bells Canyon with mist and fog. We could tell that it was snowing up higher, and were glad we decided to turn around at the falls. Once we got back to the car, my shoes and rain gear was soaked through! I was really cold.

April 2019

 I went back while the dogs were having a play date and got to see the waterfall with a lot more snow than last time!

 What a beautiful day!

Until next time!

 

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Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

 

Recommended Gear

Nearby Hike

A great short hike for kids is Rocky Mouth Falls!

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