Bell's Canyon

Private Property now at the entrance to Bells Canyon. MORE INFO >>> A well known and marked trailhead has been established starting from Wasatch Blvd. The trail adds some time to the approach, but is fenced off from passing through any private property. Stick to the trail. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

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.

The Classics

Featured Route For Bell's Canyon

Cymbals Of The Sun 5.11+  UT : Wasatch Range : ... : Middle Bell Tower

This audacious Bell's Canyon classic is a must do for those who love slab. Pat Maloney and I did it years ago and had to marvel at almost every bolt and position while climbing (getting ourselves up!) this amazing route that Ellison and Smoot created. It is stout and brilliant, yet rarely discussed compared to Arm And Hammer or other MidBells routes. As it is significantly harder than its neighboring Middle Bell routes and lacks the tension trave...[more]   Browse More Classics in UT