Bell Canyon Waterfall Hike to the Lower Falls from the Granite Trailhead in Sandy, Utah

The Bell Canyon Waterfall Hike is a beautiful 4.6 mile out and back hike that starts at the Granite Trailhead in Sandy, Utah.

This hike is rated moderate. I would agree with that until the last part of the hike up to the falls. That part of the hike was really steep and hard, so make sure you save some energy for that part.

This is a watershed area, so no dogs are allowed.

Along the way you will pass the Bell Canyon Reservoir, which is a beautiful place to explore.

When I pulled into the parking lot, it was already full except for 1 space left, which I took.

There is an additional parking lot at the Bell Canyon Preservation Trailhead. You can see it in the pic below. This parking lot will have you start higher on the trail, so you'll miss some of the switchbacks, but it puts you on the same trail.

There are 2 bathrooms at the trailhead.

Once you walk past the bathrooms, you'll see the trailhead.

You'll follow the switchbacks up to the top. There are some connecting trails, so don't go straight. Make sure you follow the switchbacks.

Once you get to the top, the trail does straighten out. You'll follow that trail to the Bell Canyon Reservoir.

You'll come out at the Bell Canyon Reservoir. This is a great place to explore. You will stay on the trail to the left when you are ready to keep going.

The Bell Canyon Reservoir has its own trail system that goes around the lake. Here are some views of the reservoir.

After exploring, we got back on the trail and headed toward the waterfall.

You'll follow this trail uphill till you get to two signs.

These two signs are for the Bells Canyon Trail and 1.2 miles to the waterfall. Turn left and follow that trail.

The trail is well marked and you'll see these marker posts showing how far it is back to the parking lot.

The views along the trail were beautiful.

You'll know you're still going the right way when you come to this small bridge. You'll cross the bridge and take a left up the trail.

Next, you'll come to two signs. One letting you know you are leaving the city of Sandy and entering the Lone Peak Wilderness in the Wasatch National Forest.

You'll be hiking alongside this beautiful creek.

You'll know you're getting close when the trail starts to get really steep. You'll go up to the top and see a board with directions to turn left to go to the waterfall.

You'll follow the trail going downhill. You'll reach a fork in the trail. Both go to the waterfall, but the trail to the left is the easier trail.

You'll finally come out to the lower falls waterfall. This is what it looks like:

You can also see the valley from here.

Overall, we loved this hike. It was hard, but totally worth it.

Bell Canyon Granite Trailhead Map in Sandy, Utah:

(Click on the map above to go to a Google Maps larger view.)

There parking is free so we didn't spend anything on this hike. 

Price: $0

These are the checklist items I recommend:

• Bring a hat to keep the sun off of your face.
• Wear shoes with good grip or hiking shoes.
• Bring lots of water and some snacks.