Trail Guide — Bells Canyon Trail

Overview

How the trail is put together

Bells Canyon Trail (USFS #452) climbs a hanging granite canyon on the west face of the Wasatch between Little Cottonwood Canyon and Lone Peak. Three suburban trailheads feed into a single main trail that passes the Lower Reservoir, enters the Lone Peak Wilderness, follows Bells Canyon Creek past two major waterfalls, and finally tops out at the Upper Reservoir at 9,388 ft. Hike as far as you like — every turnaround point is rewarding.

Elevation profile — Granite Trailhead to Upper Reservoir

One-way distance in miles · elevations approximate · hover or tap for details

View as table

Waypoint	One-way distance	Elevation	Cumulative gain
Granite Trailhead	0.0 mi	≈5,140 ft	0 ft
Lower Bells Canyon Reservoir	≈0.7 mi	≈5,430 ft	≈300 ft
Lower (First) Falls	≈2.4 mi	≈6,720 ft	≈1,600 ft
Upper (Second) Falls	≈3.0 mi	≈7,520 ft	≈2,400 ft
Upper Bells Canyon Reservoir	≈4.8 mi	9,388 ft	≈4,200 ft

The four destinations

Waypoint by waypoint

1Lower Bells Canyon Reservoir

From any of the three trailheads, a short, moderately steep climb on wide gravel tread brings you to the Lower Reservoir in well under a mile. Built in the late 1800s and still part of the valley's water system, the reservoir sits in a bowl of scrub oak and granite boulders with a straight-on view of the Bells Canyon headwall — on a calm morning the peaks reflect perfectly on the water.

A gentle loop trail circles the shoreline (about 0.5 mi around) with benches and plenty of spots to take in the view. This stretch is popular with families, trail runners, and photographers year-round; in winter it's usually packed snow and very manageable with traction devices.

Don't miss: the sunrise reflection shot from the west shore, looking east into the canyon. Remember: this is culinary water — no swimming, wading, paddleboards, or dogs. Fishing is not allowed.

2Lower (First) Waterfall

Past the reservoir the character of the hike changes completely. The trail crosses a wooden bridge over Bells Canyon Creek, enters the Lone Peak Wilderness, and starts climbing in earnest — rocky, rooty, and relentlessly uphill, gaining roughly 1,200 ft over the next 1.7 miles. You'll climb through scrub oak and maple into cooler stands of fir and aspen, with the creek crashing below you most of the way.

At about 2.4 miles (from the Granite Trailhead) a short spur on the right drops to the base of the Lower Falls, where the creek pours 30–40 feet over polished granite slabs. In May and June the falls are at full thunder with snowmelt and throw mist across the whole viewing area; by late summer they mellow to an elegant cascade.

Safety: this is the most dangerous spot on the trail. The wet granite beside the falls is extremely slick, and fatalities have occurred here. Enjoy the falls from the viewing area at the base — do not climb the slabs beside the water, and keep children within arm's reach.

3Upper (Second) Waterfall

Only about 0.6 miles separate the two waterfalls, but the trail steepens noticeably and the crowds thin dramatically — most visitors turn around at the first falls. The path continues up through boulder gardens and shady conifer forest, staying near the creek with occasional scrambly steps where hands are helpful.

The Upper Falls is taller and wilder than the lower one — a long ribbon of whitewater sliding down a granite face, best viewed from the rocky opening below it. Turn around here for a rewarding half-day hike with big views back down the canyon to the Salt Lake Valley, or catch your breath before the serious climbing begins.

Note: the same slick-rock caution applies here as at the lower falls, and the spur paths near the falls are unofficial — pick your footing carefully.

4Upper Bells Canyon Reservoir

Beyond the second falls the trail becomes a genuine alpine undertaking. The grade rarely relents, the tread gets fainter and rockier, and several stretches cross talus and boulder fields where you'll navigate by cairns. You'll climb through the upper forest into a hanging basin ringed by the granite walls of Lone Peak's cirque — country that feels far more remote than its distance from the city suggests.

The Upper Reservoir sits at 9,388 ft, a deep blue tarn against slabs and snowfields, with Lone Peak (11,253 ft) and the Bells Canyon headwall towering above. On a summer weekday you may have it entirely to yourself. Strong hikers use this basin as the approach for Lone Peak's north routes and Thunder Mountain.

Be honest about this one: ~4,200 ft of gain in under 5 miles is comparable to hiking into the Grand Canyon and back. Start at first light, carry 3+ liters of water and a filter, pack layers (it can be 20°F colder up top), and check conditions — snow patches commonly linger into July. Route-finding skills are expected above the second falls. No swimming here either: still watershed.

Timing your hike

Season by season

Spring 🌊

April–June. Peak waterfall season — runoff is spectacular but the creek is dangerous. Lower trail dries out early; snow lingers above the second falls into July. Expect mud and fast water.

Summer ☀️

July–August. Full trail open, upper basin at its best. The lower canyon is exposed and hot — start at dawn. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; be off high terrain by early afternoon.

Fall 🍁

September–October. Arguably the best season: cool air, golden maple and aspen in the lower canyon, and thin crowds. First snow usually reaches the upper basin by mid-October.

Winter ❄️

November–March. The Lower Reservoir loop stays hikeable with traction devices. Above the reservoir the canyon holds snow and ice, and the upper canyon crosses serious avalanche terrain — winter travel beyond the falls is for equipped, avalanche-trained parties only.

What to bring

Gear checklist

For the reservoir & falls

2+ liters of water per person (little shade below the falls)
Sturdy shoes with real tread — the trail is rocky throughout
Sun protection: hat, sunscreen; the lower canyon faces west
Layers — it's noticeably cooler by the creek and falls
Snacks, and a headlamp if starting near sunset
Traction devices (microspikes) in winter and early spring

Add for the Upper Reservoir

3+ liters of water and a filter or purifier
Real food — budget 7–9 hours on the move
Warm layer and shell (alpine weather changes fast)
Map app with offline maps or paper map — the upper trail is faint
First-aid kit, whistle, and emergency layer
An early start — off the summit terrain before afternoon storms