Bell Canyon Trail Utah

Bell Canyon is a welcomed outdoor haven from the sprawling and often smoggy Salt Lake Valley. The canyon is only 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, but it's a world away once you get on the trail. There are trailheads on Wasatch Boulevard and off 9400 South. You can see the canyon on this map (just zoom in on Utah).

There are a variety of activities to do in Bell Canyon, during all seasons of the year. Bell Canyon is a watershed area so no Dogs are allowed, and yes they do patrol this.

Hiking and Trail Running

Hiking is the most popular activity people visit Bell Canyon for. In summer the lower part of the trail can be extremely hot, so be prepared. You can filter water out of the stream for the duration of your hike. (Katadyn water bottles are great for this trail) The trail is not fully marked, but it is well worn. The lower reservoir is about 20 to 40 minutes from the parking lot. From the lower reservoir you get a good view of the Salt Lake Valley and of Bell Canyon. About a half mile beyond the lower reservoir the trail becomes very steep and rocky. It’s not too bad, just be ready to take your time. Along the trial, about 20 to 40 minutes from the first reservoir, you’ll see the lower waterfall just of the trail to the north. Another 40 to 60 minutes will bring you to the second waterfall. You’ll need to cross the stream beneath the waterfall to follow the trail. About 30 to 60 minutes past the upper waterfall is the meadow, full of ferns taller than you are! Another hour to two hours beyond this is the upper reservoir. There are a number of routes to reach the peaks surrounding upper reservoir that are not well marked, so I would recommend a guide book if you’re planning to go beyond the upper reservoir.

Most Trail Runners find a good workout to run from either trailhead to the first reservoir then around the reservoir and back. It’s not too steep and trail is smooth. You can run the trail for a half mile beyond the first reservoir, but then it gets very steep and with lots of rocks.

Camping

There are a number of undesignated camp spots throughout the canyon. Most only consist of a fire pit, although no fires are allowed? The only way into the canyon is on foot, so plan on carrying your backpack if you’d like to camp. Plan on a steep, grueling, hike if you venture a mile beyond the first reservoir. There is a good meadow for camping about 2 to 3 hours (depending on your speed) from the first reservoir. The second reservoir, is another good camping spot. It’s another hour to 2 hours beyond and the hike up there is pretty steep.

Rock Climbing

About a quarter way up the canyon, on the north side, there is a wall of multi-pitch climbing routes called the Bell Towers. Here are some pictures. These routes can be reached in short, but strenuous hike in about an hour. You need to cross the stream to get to the climbs, which can be sketchy in the spring run off.

Fishing

You can now fish in the lower reservoir with artificial lures and flies only. The upper reservoir is rumored to have fish. If you venture up that high, let me know if you have any luck.