Bell Canyon (sometimes called Bells Canyon) is such a beautiful trail to a reservoir and impressive waterfall near Sandy, Utah! The hike to the reservoir is popular for families. There are three trails to get there. The Preservation Trailhead has the best parking and is slightly easier. It and the Granite Trailhead meet up right away and have a more gradual incline, most of it is early on. The shorter and steeper Boulders Trail and the slighter longer and more gradual Granite Trail. They are respectively 1.4, 1.5, and 1.3 miles round trip. This is the beautiful reservoir destination for those hikes.

If you are with young children or inexperienced hikers, then I would probably stick to the reservoir. I have seen people fishing in it. You can walk most of the way around it, except where the water is flowing into it on the east side of the lake. I have hiked it at different times of year and it’s always a nice view.

If you are up for a bit more of a challenge, then head to the north end of the reservoir and follow the trail up to the waterfall.

This is such a pretty view.

There are a few places where it’s helpful to have a downloaded map so you don’t accidentally head along the wrong trail. The fall leaves had me swooning.

When I hiked it July we saw a family of wild turkeys.

The trail is green this time of year and along the way you pass the creek.

In the fall the water is still flowing, but a lot slower.

The trail is rocky and scenic.

At the very end of the trail before the waterfall, it gets very steep and rocky. It’s definitely a leg burner!

As you get higher the views get very dramatic with the granite cliffs!

Soon you get city views as well.

The last few hundred feet to the falls you have to walk steeply down to towards the left.

It is a challenging hike, but the waterfall makes it all worth it!

That view is from the side. Come around to the bottom for different views.

Depending on the water flow it looks different.

Here are some images from just further down.

You can also look around from the top and see mountain and city views.

This is also a fun one to do in the winter. You’ll want micro-spikes for traction at the end.

Here are a few more of the hike to the Lower Falls.

Stats to to Reservoir Only: 1.3-1.5 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 45 to 120 minutes
Elevation gain – 560-578 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – At Granite Trailhead
Seasons to hike – March – October (year round to reservoir)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – No

Stats to Waterfall: Distance – 4.6-4.8 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 2 to 4 hours
Elevation gain – 1451-1453 feet
Difficulty – Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – At Preservation and Granite Trailheads
Seasons to hike – March – October (year round to reservoir)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – No

Preservation Trailhead (shortest, least steep)

Granite Trailhead (slightlly longer, and less steep)

Boulders Trailhead (slightlly shorter, but steeper)

Other nearby spots include Little Cottonwood Canyon, Rocky Mouth Falls, Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge, Dimple Dell Park Loop, and the Temple Quarry Nature Trail.

Difficult Hikes in Utah

Waterfall Hikes in Utah

Bells Canyon Lower Reservoir

Little Cottonwood Canyon