Bell's Canyon

Description 

Bell's Canyon is a truly spectacular place to visit. The hike in is worth it alone. Just as beautiful as the neighboring Little Cottonwood Canyon, this canyon feels more remote and has no road. The Bells lie within the Lone Peak wilderness.

The rock on the Bells is generally good near the bottom, but deteriorates higher up on the walls. Be prepared for more of an alpine experience (except with chain anchors!) than in the Cottonwoods. Crowds seem to be kept away from this canyon because of a long approach - at least an hour for any climb. The Bells face south, so the walls get hot in the summer. However, the altitude is higher, so it takes longer for snow to melt in the spring (probably melted out by April).

Getting There 

Exit on Wasatch Blvd. from I-215. Follow Wasatch past Big Cottonwood Canyon heading south. Stay on Wasatch Blvd. as it approaches Little Cottonwood Canyon (requires a right turn at a stoplight - don't go to LCC). Look for a parking area on the east side of Wasatch at 10245 South. This is the trailhead, which has changed since the printing of Ruckman's book. From here, a popular hiking trail climbs steeply east into Bell Canyon.

Featured Route For Bell's Canyon

Arm and Hammer 5.11c  UT : Wasatch Range : Middle Bell Tower

An amazing route. This is the route with the famous "Zion Curtain". Killer route, great exposure, and nice belay ledges. Ellison had a damn good eye. Make sure you do the pitch above the "Zion Curtain." Go to the small tree, don't traverse left into the gully, at the end of this pitch. If you do traverse, you can lower off some junk chockstones. This route deserves loads of stars!!! this route is free climbed at .11c or aided at 5.10a AO ...[more]