Find your way up the canyon
A schematic overview of the trail system, cumulative mileage from each trailhead, and driving directions. For navigation on the trail itself, carry an offline map — cell coverage fades above the falls.
Schematic trail map
West is on the left (the Salt Lake Valley), east on the right (the Wasatch crest). Schematic only — not to scale, not for navigation.
One-way distances from the Granite Trailhead
Starting from Boulders or Preservation changes the totals only slightly (roughly ±0.2 mi) — the routes converge at the Lower Reservoir.
| Waypoint | One-way distance | Elevation | Landmark to watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite Trailhead | 0.0 mi | ≈5,140 ft | Info kiosk; trail climbs south into scrub oak |
| Lower Reservoir | ≈0.7 mi | ≈5,430 ft | Shoreline loop; main trail continues around the east side |
| Creek bridge / wilderness boundary | ≈1.0 mi | ≈5,560 ft | Wooden bridge over Bells Canyon Creek; wilderness sign |
| Lower (First) Falls | ≈2.4 mi | ≈6,700 ft | Short spur right, down to the falls viewing area |
| Upper (Second) Falls | ≈3.0 mi | ≈7,500 ft | Steeper tread; falls visible from rocky clearing |
| Upper Reservoir | ≈4.8 mi | 9,388 ft | Follow cairns through boulder fields into the cirque |
Driving directions
All three trailheads sit off Wasatch Boulevard in Sandy, about 25 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. From I-215, take the 6200 South exit and follow Wasatch Boulevard south; or from I-15, take 9000 South east to Wasatch Boulevard.
Preservation Trailhead
East side of Wasatch Boulevard about a block south of Little Cottonwood Road (9400 S), Sandy. Best parking odds and the only reliable restrooms and water.
Open in Google Maps →Granite Trailhead
3450 E Little Cottonwood Road (9400 S), Sandy — just below the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, on the right side of the road.
Open in Google Maps →Boulders Trailhead
East side of Wasatch Boulevard at about 10122 South, Sandy. Steeper start, shortest route to the Lower Reservoir.
Open in Google Maps →Download an offline map before you go. Cell service is unreliable above the wilderness boundary and effectively gone in the upper basin. The route above the second falls is faint and cairned — load the trail on an offline map app (or carry the USGS "Draper" quad) if you're headed to the Upper Reservoir.