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Bells Canyon Trail

Wasatch National Forest, Utah · 3 min read

Distance
9 mi
Elevation Gain
3,200 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through November
Est. Time
6-8 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • One of the few canyon hikes with access from suburban Salt Lake City without driving up a canyon
  • Lower Bells Canyon Waterfall is a popular 3-mile round trip turnaround point
  • Upper Bells Canyon Reservoir at 9,400 feet for full-day hikers
  • Dogs allowed on leash, unlike canyons to the north
  • Dramatic granite walls throughout the upper canyon
waterfalllakeviewsrock formations

Overview

Bells Canyon offers something rare in the Salt Lake Valley: a full mountain canyon experience accessible directly from a suburban trailhead without driving up a paved canyon road. The trail starts at the mouth of Bells Canyon off Wasatch Boulevard in Sandy and climbs through a progressively dramatic granite canyon for 4.5 miles to a high alpine reservoir at 9,400 feet.

The lower waterfall (1.5 miles in) serves as the turnaround for most casual visitors and is genuinely spectacular in spring runoff, with a 40-foot drop in a narrow granite notch. Beyond the waterfall, the canyon narrows further and the trail becomes more demanding, eventually reaching the Bells Canyon Reservoir operated by Granite School District.

Unlike the nearby canyons of Wasatch National Forest to the north (Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood), Bells Canyon allows dogs on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Lower canyon. Gradual climbing through scrub oak and granite. The trail is well-worn and easy to follow.

Miles 1.5: Lower waterfall. The canyon narrows to a gorge with the waterfall visible from a rocky viewpoint. This is the turnaround for most visitors.

Miles 1.5 to 4.5: Upper canyon. The route becomes more demanding after the waterfall with steeper terrain and some Class 2 rock sections. The canyon walls narrow dramatically in places.

Miles 4.5: Upper reservoir. The reservoir at 9,400 feet marks the practical turnaround. A dam structure is visible; this is a water supply reservoir, so no swimming.

When to Visit

April through November, with the lower waterfall accessible as early as March in mild years. Spring runoff (April-May) makes the waterfall most impressive. Fall color in the scrub oak and canyon maples peaks in October.

Getting There

From I-15 south of Salt Lake City, take the 9400 South exit east toward Sandy. Follow 9400 South east to Wasatch Boulevard and turn right (south). The trailhead is about 0.5 miles south on the left. GPS: 40.5543, -111.8234. See also the forest guide and the 10 essentials for trip planning.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Trailhead Parking

Bells Canyon Trailhead on Wasatch Boulevard at the mouth of Bells Canyon. Free street parking and a small dirt lot near the trailhead. Fills early on weekends.

← Back to Wasatch National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Bells Canyon Trail?
The full Bells Canyon Trail to the upper reservoir is 9.0 miles out-and-back with 3,200 feet of gain. The lower waterfall is a popular shorter option at 3.0 miles round trip with 800 feet of gain. Most hikers take 6 to 8 hours for the full route.
Are dogs allowed at Bells Canyon?
Yes. Bells Canyon is outside the Little Cottonwood Canyon watershed boundary, and dogs are permitted on leash. This makes Bells Canyon one of the few nearby mountain hikes accessible from Sandy and South Jordan with dogs.
Is there a fee at Bells Canyon Trailhead?
No parking fee at the street parking area on Wasatch Boulevard (as of 2026). The trailhead is in a residential neighborhood; park considerately.
How hard is the Bells Canyon full route?
The full route to the upper reservoir is strenuous: 9.0 miles with 3,200 feet of gain. The lower section is moderate to the waterfall; the upper canyon is steep and rocky with some Class 2 scrambling near the reservoir.