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 on a snowy Monday in January!

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

Work your way up a few switchbacks.

As you round the bend you’ll see what looks like a lower trail but its actually just a service road.

 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.

Ahh I love running in the snow! Sooo fun!

 Cross the bridge, then turn left.

You will see a few more signs on your left.

You will then hike along the creek for a few mintues.

The clouds opened up a little and then I had a great view of the beautiful, surrounding rock!

 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. You can also look out for the really small sign that I pointed out.

 Hike your way down to the base of the falls. Be careful, as everything is slippery and wet.

What Lower Bells Canyon Waterfall Looks like in Spring!

 What a beautiful day!

Until next time!

 

Check out my video!

Trail Map

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

Nearby Hike

A great short hike for kids is Rocky Mouth Falls!

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