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Bell Canyon Granite Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,169 Google reviews · Running trail in Sandy, Utah · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bell Canyon Granite Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Family-friendly hike featuring waterfalls and valley views.
What runners say about Bell Canyon Granite Trailhead
“It’s incredible & once you get up the initial first part of the hike there’s a meandering trail that goes along the bench and it’s just gorgeous.”
“Some parts of the trial aren’t very shaded, but the majority of it is.”
Incredible trail. Full of nature, beautiful lake at the base. A challenging trail that leads to a rip roaring waterfall of great power. I am so glad I took the time to get up there to see this wonder flowing effortlessly downhill. I wanted to set up camp.
A breathtaking waterfall. Literally- because it’s super steep at the end so you’re gasping for air when you see the waterfall. In all reality this is a great moderate hike. We clocked a little over 5 miles round trip. There is a good amount of rocks on the upper 1.
We have been hiking Bell Canyon for a few years now. We love it. We have hiked it during the summer, Spring, and Fall. All of those times are great. The hike is so much fun. It is absolutely gorgeous. The hike is a moderate hike. It is straight up, but it is not brutal.
This is a harder hike for a beginner but is doable. It’s a short hike up to the lake which you can walk around. The hike up to the waterfall is a little more intense, the first mile or so is fairly flat with some incline and rockiness. The last about .5 miles is very steep and you’re walking up large rocks.
Trail conditions & character
“When you make it to Bell Canyon Reservoir, you can enjoy the lake with the beautiful mountainous backdrop that still has snow on its' peaks.”
“There’s parking but not a lot and the hike can get a bit challenging (if there’s snow you really should wear spikes) but if you take your time and water you can get there!”
“The hike up to the waterfall is a little more intense, the first mile or so is fairly flat with some incline and rockiness.”
“5 mile is challenging due to the incline and the amount of rocks you have to walk through, around and over.”
“Nice trail, is steep and rocky in some sections, the waterfall is well.”
“Some parts of the trial aren’t very shaded, but the majority of it is.”
“The hike up to the waterfall is a little more intense, the first mile or so is fairly flat with some incline and rockiness.”
“This hike is not ADA accessible due to how rocky the trail is.”
“This hike is free to do, but dogs are prohibited due to it being a watershed.”
Plan your run at Bell Canyon Granite Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Sandy
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir
4.8 ★★★★★ 626 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area offering views of a reservoir, valleys, and abundant wildlife.
Bell Canyon Boulders Trailhead
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Hikes to the Bell Canyon Reservoir, with views of the valley, flowers, and a waterfall, plus longer hikes to Twin Peaks.
Dimple Dell East Trailhead
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Well-kept trail system for hiking, dog-walking and mountain biking, with mountain vistas.
Granite Park
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Quiet neighborhood park with a kids' playground and mountain trails.
Temple Quarry Nature Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 70 reviews
Ecological park featuring a family-friendly hiking trail with scenic canyon views.