more stats
3.0 miles
Distance
3,452 ft
Climb
-4 ft
Descent
00:41:58
Avg time
3,448 ft
Altitude change
5,944 ft
Altitude min
9,392 ft
Altitude max
5,944 ft
Altitude start
9,393 ft
Altitude end
22.1%
Grade
-3.9%
Grade max
101%
Grade min
3 miles
Distance climb
174 ft
Distance down
200 ft
Distance flat
00:41:58
Avg time

Upper Bells Canyon Details

  • Activities
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Lone Peak Wilderness Area
    Sandy, Utah
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    90 in Hiking [+]
    • 75 in Trail Running
  • Global Ranking
    #615 in Hiking [+]
    • #75117 in Trail Running
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T3 Demanding Mountain Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular In Reverse
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Trail Visibility
    Sometimes hard to follow
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Land Owner
    uinta-wasatch-cache national forest

This is probably the most popular hike at this difficulty level in the Wasatch. It is close to town, has amazing views, there are multiple waterfalls, and there is a beautiful reservoir at the top in a big rock cirque. It doesn't get much better, and you pay for it in steepness and terrain.

The great thing about this hike, is that you can start with the Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir trails, which are many and you can do lots of little loops. Even the lower hike starts high up on the bench, so if you want to do a quick hike with the kids near town and still see water with a great view of the valley you can. Or you can hike up to the first waterfalls, which are little less than half way to the top. The hardest are mostly past the waterfalls, so prepare well, and only go as far as you feel comfortable.

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

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  • 10 rides
  • 7 miles avg distance
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  • 40 rides
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Upper Bells Canyon Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jun 2, 2026 @ 10:37pm (America/Denver)
Jun 2, 2026
 Good hike to the top. A bit snow near the upper reservoir but doable in hiking shoes.
May 2, 2026 @ 5:52pm (America/Denver)
May 2, 2026
 Dry until the falls. Above the falls, it becomes wet, and eventually snow covered. You might be able to get a glimpse of a backcountry skier in...
Jun 24, 2023 @ 5:56pm
Jun 24, 2023
 Top 1 mile is covered in snow still. Can make it with some crampons.
May 21, 2023 @ 3:31pm
May 21, 2023
 Still very doable but you’re hiking up a stream bed for a couple of the miles. The high water is utilizing the hiking trail as overflow.
Jul 17, 2022 @ 7:28am
Jul 17, 2022
 A few trees down over trail.
more »
Status:
on Jun 2, 2026
Variable
Avg: 3.84 (4 votes)
Your vote: 0

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  • Snow Groomed
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  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
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        Directions to upper-bells-canyon trailhead (40.562280, -111.783720)

        Photos

        15 more »
        31 |
        Aug 8, 2025 @ 4:45pm
        Aug 8, 2025
        29 |
        Aug 8, 2025 @ 4:45pm
        Aug 8, 2025
        94 |
        Jul 7, 2019 @ 8:17am
        Jul 7, 2019
        89 |
        Jul 7, 2019 @ 8:17am
        Jul 7, 2019

        Videos

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        Routes with this trail

        31
        Bell Canyon to Lower Falls
        5 miles • 1,538 ft • 4 •

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Bells Canyon

        ▼ Where is Upper Bells Canyon located?
        Upper Bells Canyon is located in Lone Peak Wilderness Area, Sandy, Utah, United States. It is part of the Lone Peak Wilderness Area trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 40.56228, -111.78372.
        ▼ How hard is Upper Bells Canyon?
        Upper Bells Canyon is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 22.1%.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Upper Bells Canyon?
        Upper Bells Canyon has 3,452 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 4 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 5,944 ft to 9,392 ft.
        ▼ Is Upper Bells Canyon a point to point trail?
        Upper Bells Canyon is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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