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    Hikes/United States/Utah/Salt Lake City

    Upper Bells Canyon Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    6.5-9h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    16.1 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,309 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.0
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    The Upper Bells Canyon Trail is a challenging route in the Lone Peak Wilderness Area east of Salt Lake City. This route ascends over 1,280 m with a steep and consistent climb along a rocky trail. If you are up for the challenge, this trail will reward you with incredible views and an experience you won’t forget.

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    Route Description for Upper Bells Canyon Trail

    The Upper Bells Canyon trail is a fantastic hike east of Sandy, Utah. This trail is a challenging route for experienced hikers. The trail up is seriously steep; hikers should arrive prepared with proper, supportive hiking footwear and lots of snacks and water to fuel their day. We strongly recommend bringing along a set of hiking poles on this trail to aid in your ascent and provide stability on the way back down. The steep ascent to the Bells Canyon Reservoir is guaranteed to leave your muscles burning, but we promise that this hike is worth it. The views along the trail are absolutely stunning, and a day spent with friends on the Upper Bells Canyon Trail will be a day to remember.

    From the trailhead on the east side of Wasatch Boulevard, follow the trail east to the Lower Bells Canyon Dam. Take a left at the Dam and stay right at the subsequent divides to loop around the Dam before continuing east along Bells Canyon. Follow the stream bed as it curves southeast all the way to the Upper Bells Canyon Reservoir.

    Take a long rest at the reservoir, catch your breath before turning around, and follow your footsteps back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Upper Bells Canyon Trail Trailhead

    The Upper Bells Canyon Trail begins on the east side of Wasatch Boulevard on the eastern edge of Sandy, Utah.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Disperse camping at reservoir

    • When to do

      April to September

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Upper Bells Canyon Trail Elevation Graph

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    Upper Bells Canyon Trail Reviews

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