Hike Bell Canyon Trail to the Waterfall

A popular trail near Salt Lake City, Utah, is Bell Canyon. Located at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, the trail offers amazing mountain views, and a majestic look across the Salt Lake Valley. It’s perfect for all skill levels, including families with young children.

Albion Basin (Cecret Lake) is another great hiking trail, but it’s a little further up Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Trailheads and Hiking to Bell Canyon Reservoir

There are two trailheads that lead to Bell Canyon reservoir and subsequent waterfall: Granite Trailhead and Boulders Trailhead.

The Granite Trailhead is at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The parking area isn’t very big, so if you arrive and can’t find a spot, there’s another parking area on the north east corner of Wasatch Blvd and Little Cottonwood Road at the GK Gilbert Geologic View Park. Granite Trail is less steep, and more of a winding hike up to the reservoir.

The Boulders Trailhead is off of Wasatch Blvd, less than a while south of the Granite Trailhead. While this trail up to the reservoir is shorter, it’s also steeper. Older kids and adults may enjoy this one, but if you have younger kids, the gradual climb from the Granite Trailhead may be the better route.

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Bell Canyon Reservoir has a trail that circles it, so if you want to make that loop and head back down, it’s a great short trail for a scenic outdoor adventure. Years ago, my kids and I had trouble finding the right trail around the reservoir and ended up walking through thick, black mud. But if your navigation skills are better than ours, you’re set.

The north side of the reservoir has a bench, which is great for a quick snack and drink – just be sure and pack out any garbage you bring in.

The Trek to the Lower Waterfall

Once you arrive at Bell Canyon Reservoir, there’s a trail leading east from the north side of the reservoir. Follow that trail and the signs for the waterfall.

There will be a spot or two where you cross the river – but bridges have been built so you shouldn’t have to worry about getting your feet wet.

The trail has some steeper parts, but as long as you have good shoes on, you should be set. We saw some parents carrying children in backpacks, while other little kids were walking. It’s a little bit of a tough hike, but if you’ve got the endurance to carry a child safely, go for it.

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As the trail reaches the waterfall, it peaks above the waterfall and then you find your way down to a great view of the waterfall. We hiked it in June and the waterfall was running high. That added some mist and water to the ground, making it slippery. If you have young kids, be very careful in this area. It would be all too easy to slip into the raging river.

After enjoying a view of the Salt Lake Valley from above, and the waterfall at your back, you can make your way back down the mountain.

A more adventurous hiker can continue up to the upper water fall, but we haven’t taken that one, so I don’t have any information on it.

Safety Tips for Hiking Bell Canyon

Although Bell Canyon is a great hike for families, you need to be prepared. Here are a few safety tips for hiking in Utah, and some tips that are good no matter where you choose to adventure in the mountain.

1. Bring plenty of water. Utah temperatures can be in the 90s and 100s during the summer. One liter of water per person.
2. Wear good shoes. Flip flops or sandals are NOT meant for hiking.
3. Wear proper attire. While shorts and a tank top may seem comfy, it provides little protection from the sun. A hat is important, too.
4. Wear sunscreen. SPF 30 works great.
5. Bring snacks. We enjoy fruit leather, granola bars, chips, crackers, etc.
6. Make sure you have plenty of water. I’m mentioning this again because it’s that important.
7. Stay on the trail. Don’t venture off the trail if you don’t know what you’re doing.

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The Details

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Round trip: 4.6 mile loop to and from the waterfall. A loop around the reservoir is roughly 2 miles total, but depends on which trailhead you start at.

Hiking time: Two-and-a-half to three hours if you want to hike to the waterfall. One hour or so if you want to hike around the reservoir.

Trailhead restrooms: Yes at Granite Trailhead. No at Boulder Trailhead.

Entrance/Permit Fee? No entrance fee or parking fee required. Parking fills up quickly at either trailhead. Don’t park illegally.

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