Bells Canyon is a beautiful canyon just below Little Cottonwood Canyon in Sandy. It is a popular hike for families because the reservoir is only 1.5 miles round trip. This is what the reservoir looks like in June.
I have hiked it at different times of year and it’s always a nice view. These photos below were taken at the end of November and in December.
Here are more from other times of year.
This time we hiked it in the beginning of October, so all of the leaves were changing and the reservoir was low.
You can begin the trail at either the Granite Trailhead or the Boulders Trailhead. The latter is slightly shorter, but starts out a little steeper. These photos are from the Granite Trail.
These are from the Boulders Trail. Both ways you can turn around for lovely city views.
There is an overlook you can get to with only 0.1 mile extension. If you are up for a bit more of a challenge, then head to the north end of the reservoir and follow the trail to Bells Canyon Lower Waterfall.
Here are other views of Bells Canyon Lower Reservoir.
There are three trails to get to the Bell Canyon Reservoir. Here is more detail on the three trailheads.
Granite Trailhead
(Longer and less steep)
The Granite Trailhead begins just below the entrance to Little Cottonwood Canyon at 3450 E Little Cottonwood Road. This path has more switchbacks, so it gains elevation more gradually and doesn’t require all the stairs.
Very soon it connects with the Preservation Trailhead.
Preservation Trailhead
(shortest, least steep)
This is the newest trailhead with the most parking, and the shortest trail. It is located off Wasatch Boulevard just south of Little Cottonwood Road (9400 S).
Soon you have views of the city below.
The path then winds around through the trees. As you can see this is lovely in the fall.
From this trailhead you come out on the northwest side of the reservoir. You can head south a tiny bit and then take the little trail to the overlook or continue along the north side of the lake towards the waterfall.
Boulder Trailhead
(shorter, but steeper)
The Boulders Trailhead is a parking lot on the east side of Wasatch Boulevard at 10122 South.
There are quite a few stairs at the beginning as it winds it’s way between private property. Because it’s fairly steep you gain elevation quickly and can see a nice view early on.
Soon you come to the bridge. Bells Canyon is part of the watershed that includes Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, so no pets on the trail or swimming in the lake.
As you get higher, there are even more impressive views of the valley below.
Soon you will see the boulders that gave this trailhead it’s name. It’s unfortunate that there has been a bit of graffiti over the years. My kids love to climb all over them.
As soon as you pass the boulders you can see the lake ahead.
Stats to Reservoir from Preservation Trailhead: Distance – 1.4 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 45 to 120 minutes
Elevation gain – 440 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – At Preservation and Granite Trailheads
Seasons to hike – Year Round (in winter use micro-spikes)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – No
Stats to Reservoir from Granite Trailhead: Distance – 1.5 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 45 to 120 minutes
Elevation gain – 452 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – Year Round (in winter use micro-spikes)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – No
Stats to Reservoir from Boulders Trailhead: Distance – 1.3 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 45 to 120 minutes
Elevation gain – 462 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – None
Seasons to hike – Year Round (in winter use micro-spikes)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – No
Other trails nearby are Rocky Mouth Falls, Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge and the Temple Quarry Trail.
