Do You Know How To Get To Bells Canyon

So, there I was, standing at the trailhead of Bells Canyon, looking like a tourist on my first day in Utah. I mean, who wouldn't be a bit lost with those towering peaks and the sun glinting off the reservoir? I'd heard about this place from a friend, but somehow, the map on my phone and the real-life canyon weren't playing nice.

You know how it is, right? You're all set, you've got your hiking boots on, your backpack's packed, and then you realize you've got no clue where you're going. That was me, a few weeks back. But hey, no worries, I'm here to spill the beans on how to navigate Bells Canyon like a pro. Or at least, like someone who's been there more than once.

First Things First: Get Your Bearings

Alright, so let's start at the beginning. Bells Canyon is up in the Wasatch Mountains, just outside of Salt Lake City. You can't miss it, really. Just look for the giant hole in the ground with the water in it. kidding aside, it's a beautiful spot, and it's pretty popular, so you'll see plenty of signs for it.

Once you're there, you'll find the trailhead just off of Wasatch Boulevard. There's a big parking lot, and you can't miss the trailhead. It's the one with all the people standing around looking at maps. Okay, maybe that's just me, but you get the idea.

Now, Let's Talk Trails

Bells Canyon has a few trails, but the most popular one is the Bells Canyon Trail. It's a 7.5-mile out-and-back trail, which means you hike out for 3.75 miles, turn around, and hike back. Simple, right? Well, not so fast.

Here's where things can get tricky. The trail splits a few times, and if you're not paying attention, you might end up on the wrong path. The first split is pretty early on. You'll see a sign for the Bells Canyon Trail and the Bells Canyon Pipeline Trail. You want to go left, towards the Bells Canyon Trail. The pipeline trail is nice, but it's not the one you're looking for.

About a mile in, you'll come to another split. This time, you'll see signs for the Bells Canyon Trail and the Bells Canyon Waterfall Trail. If you want to see the waterfall, go left. It's a short detour, and it's totally worth it. Just don't forget to turn around and head back to the main trail when you're done.

Bells Canyon to Reservoir and Lower Waterfall - Utah Hiking Beauty

If you're not doing the waterfall detour, keep going straight on the Bells Canyon Trail. You'll pass by some beautiful views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains. Eventually, you'll come to a third split. This one's a bit trickier. You'll see signs for the Bells Canyon Trail, the Bells Canyon Ridge Trail, and the Bells Canyon Overlook Trail. You want to go straight, towards the Bells Canyon Trail. The ridge and overlook trails are great, but they're not the way to the summit.

Almost There!

From here, it's just a couple more miles to the summit. The trail gets a bit steeper, but it's totally doable. Just take your time, and don't forget to look up and enjoy the view. Before you know it, you'll be at the summit, looking out over the whole valley.

But wait, you're not done yet! Remember, it's an out-and-back trail, so you've still got to hike back to the trailhead. Don't worry, it's all downhill from here. Just take it easy, and watch your step. You don't want to twist an ankle on the way down.

Pro Tip: Check the Weather

Before you head out, make sure to check the weather. Utah weather can be a bit unpredictable, and you don't want to get caught in a storm. Also, if it's going to be hot, make sure you've got plenty of water and sunscreen. Trust me, you don't want to end up with a nasty sunburn or dehydration.

And there you have it, folks. The skinny on how to navigate Bells Canyon. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots and get out there. Just remember, if you see me on the trail, say hi. I'll be the one not looking at my phone.