We are in that time of year where winter has left, but much snow remains in the upper elevations. So you have to get creative here in the Wasatch if you want to get out for a good hike. It had been a number of years since I have hiked the Bells Canyon Waterfall. I have a very vivid history since my teenage years I have even been to the Upper Reservior something less than 10% of people who recreate in this canyon visit. It was a beautiful day, a bid dusty from the west winds, but overall not many clouds in the sky. I made quick work of the hike up to the lower reservior, then cut off the main trail to make my way to the bridge at the creek crossing. I got to see what I call "The Old Man Of The Wasatch." It is one of the few old growth pines left here in the Wasatch. Most of this forest it 100 years or less old. The creek was low, but there is some snow still to come down so it was nowhere near peak runoff. I crossed the bridge and continued the climb.
As the climb began to become rockier and steeper I pushed on up. Eventually arriving at the Lone Peak Wilderness Boundary. I pushed on enjoying the sounds of nature as I continued to climb. Soon, you get to what I refer to as the staircase of rocks in a graded trail. If a steep flat trail wasn't enough, this one has slippery granite and only certain places to put your feet as you go up or climb down. The views of the valley do continue to get better if you look behind you. I kept pushing on as I reached the seep that was actually running like a brook and I got my boots wet for sure making my way through it. Reaching the turnoff I headed to the Waterfall.
After 1 hour and 40 minutes I was standing at the falls. I have been here many times before, but it has been since 2007 since I last came up here. There was a few people, not too crowded, and the falls was running, though lighter than I have previously seen it. This gave me the opportunity to shoot a time lapse and slo mo edit and nab a picture. There are some really nice granite slabs to take a seat on and I parked it for a minute to get the heart rate down and have some water. The view of the valley was awesome and it was so nice to be up here again. After a short break I threw the pack back on and made my way back down. The hike out from the wilderness boundary was pleasant and the temps were perfect.
As I got to the reservior, I decided I would toss a line and give fly fishing a try. Not long after I had a dry fly on I had a serious strike and a nice one on! I landed a few more and a few got off the line. Not bad for not even expecting to fish! A really great day in the Wasatch! I'm itching for a backpacking trip so it wont be long now! Check out my YouTube edit below and be sure to like and subscribe! More adventures to come!
