Lower waterfall in Bells Canyon (Sandy) with strict watershed protection rules and no dogs allowed.
Loading current conditions…
Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Bells Canyon Lower Falls is reached via Bells Canyon Trail #452, which winds through Sandy’s Wasatch Front region. The waterfall marks a destination within a protected watershed that feeds Sandy City’s water supply, so special rules apply to all visitors.
The most important restriction is that no dogs are allowed on this trail—this is strictly enforced as part of watershed protection. Additionally, the first quarter to half mile of the trail crosses private land, so please respect property boundaries and stay on the marked route. Once you enter the Forest Service portion, water-conservation rules remain in effect: no campfires and no animals of any kind.
Because of these watershed protections, the area is kept relatively pristine but strictly regulated. Plan to hike during daylight hours with a smaller group, bring all water and supplies you need, and expect the Forest Service to monitor compliance. There are no current closures, but the watershed designation means this is not a casual recreation spot.
Spring through fall when water flow is reliable; weather and water conditions vary by season.
Avoid if you have dogs (not permitted). Also note that the first quarter to half mile crosses private land and water-conservation rules are strictly enforced.
No fee or permit requirement was published on the managing agency's site when we last checked — confirm current conditions before you go, since these change.
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).
We track 8 waterfalls in Wasatch Front.
There is 1 other waterfall we track in Salt Lake County. All Wasatch Front waterfalls →
fs.usda.gov
USFS 'Bells Canyon Trail #452' page (fs.usda.gov), checked Sept 2026. Page states 'No dogs are allowed on this trail' and that Sandy City watershed restrictions (no animals, no fires) are strictly enforced; first quarter-to-half mile crosses private land. No specific closure of this trail found (general area fire-related alerts exist for other trails).
Checked September 2026.