The Bell Canyon (sometimes called Bells Canyon) hike to the reservoir is popular for families. There are two trails to get there, but both of them are around 1.5 miles round trip. This is the beautiful reservoir destination for those hikes.
I have hiked it at different times of year and it’s always a nice view. This photo below was taken at the end of November last year.
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. Even when it isn’t too full, it is often muddy near there on the east side of the lake.
The trails are all well defined and easy to follow. As you hike, you can turn around for a city view. The trails are a steady incline, especially at first, but my kids have done fine. They love to play on the boulders right as you approach the reservoir. These photos below were taken in the late spring last year.
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. When I hiked it last July we saw a family of wild turkeys.
At the very end of the trail before the waterfall, it gets very steep and rocky. It is challenging to hike up, but the waterfall makes it all worth it!
Here is an image 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.
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 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 2 to 4 hours
Elevation gain – 1453 feet
Difficulty – Difficult
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
Granite Trailhead (slightlly longer, but less steep)
Boulders Trailhead (slightlly shorter, but steeper)
For more information on this hike click here.
