Bells Canyon
Sandy, Utah
| Address: | ~10200-10298 Grayboulder Ct, Sandy, UT 84092, USA |
| GPS: |
40°33'54.2"N 111°48'13.1"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Utah |
| Trail Length: | 4.20 miles |
| MTB Difficulty: | Advanced |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| MTB Trail Type: | Singletrack |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 1482 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.1-4.7 mi |
Lakes Rivers Waterfalls Streams Trails Rocks Wildflowers Bicycles Fishing Restrooms National Park State Park
Backpack, Hike, Mountain Bike, and Snowshoe
Bells Canyon is a moderate, 4.5 mile hike that begins in a residential area and ends at a waterfall in the enter of the canyon's forest. The first 1/2 mile of the hike is relatively easy and leads straight to the reservoir, which is one of the best views of the hike. There are several places for people to stop and have a snack surrounding the reservoir, although some choose to turn around before the trail gets too difficult.
Once you reach the sign that directs you to the waterfall, the hike gets considerably more difficult. It's about 1.2 miles of climbing over large rocks at a serious incline, but the views are incredible. Bells Canyon has gorgeous fall foliage in the autumn months, and once spring comes around, everything is beautiful and green. There is a creek that flows along the trail, several open areas of meadow and wildflowers, and spectacular views of the canyon and the Salt Lake Valley. It's a hike that pays off as you climb it.
The waterfall is in the center of a grove of trees. There is a steep hill downward that will take you to the base of the fall, but it can be treacherous to reach, so tread carefully.
Bells Canyon does not see much Mountain Bike traffic, and for good reason! It starts out very steep and with a loose gravel trail base, it makes for a tough climb on a bike. There are steps that are all but impossible to ride up (or down). After reaching the very scenic Lower Bells Canyon Reservoir the trail is much better! It turns to a fun single track through the trees. After crossing the stream above the Reservoir the trail becomes snarled with large granite boulders and is tough for even a hiker to negotiate. Courtesy of Singletracks.com
More Information
Bell Canyon Trail (to first waterfall)
Popular for good reason. Head out early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. This hike runs up Bell Canyon, past a scenic reservoir, and up
https://www.utah.com/destinations/cities-towns/salt-lake-city/hiking/bell-canyon-trail-(to-first-waterfall)/Bells Canyon
Bells Canyon is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Salt Lake City, Utah. View maps, videos, photos, and reviews of Bells Canyon bike trail in Salt Lake City.
http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/bells-canyon/Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Sandy, Utah
- Head east on E Sego Lily Dr toward S 1900 E (0.9 mi)
- Turn left onto S 2300 E/
Eastdell Dr (1.1 mi) - Turn right onto UT-209 E/
Little Cottonwood Rd (1.6 mi) - Turn right onto Wasatch Blvd (0.7 mi)
- Make a U-turn at Grayboulder Ct (187 ft)
- Turn rightDestination will be on the right(171 ft)
Granite Trailhead
From I-215 (Southbound)
Get off at exit 6 (6200 South) and head east. The road will curve south and become Wasatch Boulevard. Continue for 4 miles. At North Little Cottonwood Road, turn right to stay on Wasatch Boulevard. Go about one more mile until you reach South Little Cottonwood Road. Turn Left. The trailhead will be on your right.
I-15 (Northbound)
Exit at 12300 south (exit 291) Turn Right (east) and follow the road for 2.4 miles. It will curve North and turn into 1700 East. Turn right at the next light onto Wasatch Boulevard. Go east on Wasatch and follow it as it curves to the North. 7.6 miles from the freeway you will turn right onto South Little Cottonwood Road. It will be on the right.
Courtesy of summitpost.org
Boulder Trailhead
From I-215 (Southbound)
Get off at exit 6 (6200 South) and head east. The road will curve south and become Wasatch Boulevard. Continue for 4 miles. At North Little Cottonwood Road, turn right to stay on Wasatch Boulevard. Go a few more miles, passing South Little Cottonwood Road. The trailhead will be on your Left among some apartments (condos?). You may need to make a U-turn in order to reach it due to the median.
From I-15 (Northbound)
Exit at 12300 south (exit 291) Turn Right (east) and follow the road for 2.4 miles. It will curve North and turn into 1700 East. Turn right at the next light onto Wasatch Boulevard. Go east on Wasatch and follow it as it curves to the North. ~6 miles from the freeway it will be on the right, just off the road among some apartments (condos?).
Courtesy of summitpost.org
There is a parking lot just outside the trailhead at both the Boulder trailhead and the Granite trailhead, but there are limited spaces, so be prepared to park along Wasatch Boulevard.
Bells Canyon Lower Falls October 2010 added by endovereric
Bells Canyon Waterfall added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon View 3 added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon View 2 added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon View added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon Trail added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon Greenery added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon Lake 3 added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon Lake 2 added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon Lake added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon Creek 2 added by smbrady17
Bells Canyon Creek added by smbrady17
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