Two hikes in one weekend is what the doctor called for. Winter had to sit this hike out, but it was still a great adventure. In true to Emily fashion, the destination was a waterfall. The trail of choice was Bells Canyon Trail to Lower Falls. Definitely a more difficult than my hike at Battle Creek Trail. This particular trail is rated as hard on All Trails with 1,400 elevation gain and a total distance of 4.6 miles out and back. I embraced the challenge and it was 100% worth the reward.
Lower Bells Canyon Reservoir
To get to the Lower Falls in Bells Canyon you can start at one of two trailheads. Both have limited parking, but there is an overflow parking area on Little Cottonwood Rd just past the trailhead parking lot. I chose to start at the Granite Trailhead. The first half mile of the hike was very steep but relatively uneventful, especially in the fall. Regardless of the trailhead you start at, you end up at Lower Bells Canyon Reservoir. This time of year the reservoir is pretty empty, but you can fish and enjoy views of the mountains.
Lower Falls
When I got to the east side of the reservoir the hike really started with elevation gain and gorgeous fall colors mixed in with evergreens. The trail eventually enters into the Lone Peak Wilderness, part of the Wasatch National Forest.
The trail eventually crosses Bells Canyon Creek and then loosely follows the creek all the way up to the Lower Falls. Bells Canyon Creek is a gorgeous rocky mountain stream lined with pines and aspen trees.
When I say follows the creek up to the Lower Falls, I do mean up. The last half to 3/4 of a mile of the hike is a light rock scramble to the top. I would say about 1,000 feet of the 1,400 feet elevation gain is on this hike is in this section. I took it slow and steady to the top, and could finally hear the falls in the distance.
The worst of the hike is honestly the last 200 feet to the base of the waterfall. You have to traverse down a steep, slick portion of the trail. This is where having great hiking shoes with good grip comes in handy. I was just going from one tree to the next making my way slowly down the steep terrain. I have to say, the climb up the canyon was well worth the destination. The Lower Falls is gorgeous! And the views looking back at the Salt Lake Valley were spectacular.
The hike back down to the trailhead murdered my knees, but overall highly recommend the Bells Canyon Trail to anyone ready to take on the challenge. Pack a lunch and enjoy the view at the top!
Check out more of Winter and my adventures in Utah! OR head over to the archive to read all about our adventures in Texas and other states.
What a good challenging hike… I can only guess no dogs allowed on this trail ;-( I am going to have to get in shape for the real hikes of Utah… over our Texas foot hills.
Is this Bell Canyon in Utah or Bells Canyon in Washington state?
Hello! Welcome to my blog! This is in Utah, in the mountains just outside Salt Lake City.
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