Overview
Bells Canyon cuts a deep granite slot into the Wasatch Front within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest above Sandy, one of Salt Lake County's southern suburbs. From the trailhead at roughly 5,000 feet, the trail climbs through scrub oak and pine into a narrowing canyon where granite walls rise steeply on both sides, eventually reaching lower Bells Canyon Reservoir at 7,680 feet. The upper reservoir sits another 900 feet higher, at about 8,700 feet, for those who want to push the full route. Bells Canyon is one of the lesser-known front-country options compared to the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon trailheads to the north, where routes like Lake Blanche and Red Pine Lake draw the majority of Wasatch day hikers.
Most hikers set the 40-foot lower falls at mile 2.5 as their goal on shorter days, and it's a worthy destination on its own. The falls pour into a narrow granite slot and are most powerful in May and June from snowmelt. From the falls, the canyon continues to climb steeply through increasingly rugged terrain to the lower reservoir, which sits just inside the Lone Peak Wilderness boundary. The upper reservoir and the technical approach to Lone Peak itself are beyond the scope of a standard day hike.
The canyon is less trafficked than Big Cottonwood or Little Cottonwood, partly because the approach road and trailhead are modest, partly because the terrain is rougher and the footing less forgiving than the manicured trails to the east. This works in your favor if you're looking for a more solitary Wasatch experience. Dogs are allowed on leash throughout.
Snow lingers in the upper canyon well into June in most years. The north-facing granite walls trap cold air and shade out the sun, so even after the lower trail is clear, sections above the waterfall can remain icy or snow-covered into early summer. Check conditions before planning a trip to the reservoir in May or June.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1: Scrub oak foothills. The trail begins at the Wasatch Boulevard trailhead and climbs immediately through Gambel oak, sagebrush, and scrub. The canyon is visible ahead, a narrow slot in the granite ridge above. The grade is steady and the footing is good on packed dirt. You'll cross several small drainages before the terrain transitions into the canyon proper.
Miles 1 to 2: Entering the canyon. The walls close in and the character of the hike changes. Granite slabs tower above you on both sides. The trail follows the creek, crossing it several times on rocks and logs (some crossings require boulder-hopping in high water). The canyon is shaded and noticeably cooler than the open foothills below. Douglas fir and spruce replace the scrub oak.
Miles 2 to 2.5: Approach to the falls. The trail steepens significantly and the creek picks up volume as you approach the lower falls. A series of short scrambles over granite ledges leads to the base of the 40-foot falls. The pool at the base is a natural rest spot with good views back down the canyon. This is the turnaround for many hikers and a good call unless you have the time and legs for the reservoir.
Miles 2.5 to 3.9: Lower reservoir. Above the falls the trail becomes more demanding. The grade is steep and the surface alternates between packed dirt, exposed granite, and loose rock. The canyon opens slightly near the top before depositing you at lower Bells Canyon Reservoir, a quiet lake tucked under the granite walls of the Lone Peak cirque. The setting is dramatic, and the crowds thin to near-zero this far in.
When to Visit
May through June: The lower canyon trail is usually passable by mid-May, but the upper section above the falls often retains significant snow and ice into June. Waterfall volume is highest in this window from snowmelt. Microspikes are useful for the upper canyon in May and early June.
July and August: The prime hiking window. The entire trail is snow-free, temperatures are manageable given the canyon shade, and wildflowers appear in the subalpine zones above the falls. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in both months. Start before 8 AM to maximize your weather window.
September and October: Excellent hiking conditions with fewer people. Daytime temperatures are ideal in the 55-to-70-degree range. Fall foliage in the oak scrub on the lower trail turns red and gold, typically peaking in mid-October. The upper canyon can see light snow by late October.
November: Possible but the upper canyon becomes icy with cold temperatures. If you're visiting in November, plan on the falls as your turnaround and carry microspikes.
Practical Details
Parking: The Bells Canyon Trailhead has room for about 25 vehicles in a gravel lot. There is a vault toilet but no running water. No fee. The lot fills early on summer weekends, sometimes by 8 AM. Street parking on Wasatch Boulevard is limited and inconsistently enforced. Arriving before 7:30 AM on weekends gives you the best chance of a spot.
Dogs: Allowed throughout on leash. The creek crossings require some attention with dogs since the rocks can be slippery, and the water level in May and June can be high enough to make some crossings challenging for smaller dogs.
Water: The creek flows throughout the season but should be treated or filtered before drinking. Bring at least 2 liters per person. The sustained climbing at altitude increases fluid needs faster than most people expect.
Creek crossings: Several unavoidable creek crossings between miles 1 and 2.5 require rock-hopping. In May and June with peak runoff, some crossings may be knee-deep. Trekking poles or a walking stick help with balance. Waterproof boots or gaiters are useful in high water season.
Wilderness rules: The trail enters Lone Peak Wilderness above the lower falls. Camping requires a dispersed camping approach (no designated sites). No campfires within the wilderness boundary. Pack out all waste.
Getting There
From Salt Lake City, take I-15 south to the 9000 South exit and head east toward Sandy. Follow 9000 South east to Wasatch Boulevard and turn right (south). Continue on Wasatch Boulevard for about 1.5 miles until you see the Bells Canyon Trailhead parking area on the left side of the road, just past the Little Cottonwood Canyon junction. Total drive time from downtown Salt Lake City is about 30 minutes.
From Provo, take I-15 north to the 9000 South exit in Sandy and follow the same directions east. Drive time is about 35 minutes.
The trailhead is located at the end of a residential neighborhood, and the parking area is easy to miss. Look for the brown Forest Service trailhead sign on the east side of Wasatch Boulevard.
The Bottom Line
Bells Canyon is the front-country Wasatch hike that rewards those who push past the obvious stopping points. The lower falls at 2.5 miles justify the trip for shorter days. The reservoir at 3.9 miles justifies the full effort. The granite canyon walls are some of the most dramatic terrain accessible without a permit in the Salt Lake Valley. For other strenuous Wasatch hikes, Grandeur Peak in Mill Creek Canyon and Mount Timpanogos in American Fork Canyon each offer a very different character. The Salt Lake City hike guide compares the full range of options across the Wasatch Front. Since this trail enters Lone Peak Wilderness, reviewing Leave No Trace principles is worthwhile before any overnight trip above the falls. The America the Beautiful pass is accepted at many Wasatch trailhead parking areas, making it worth considering for frequent visitors to the range.