Bell Lake #6305

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Trail is accessed via South Willow Creek Road. There are some rustic camping sites and plenty of parking at the base of the trail.

This multi-width trail leads to the very beautiful Bell Lake, a lake at almost 8,800ft that is overlooked by several mountain peaks over 10,000ft. Because of the high elevations and north facing aspects, it can be very slow for the trail to dry out in the springtime, and the lake can still have ice on it in June. There are also some small streams to cross, which may mean wet feet if you go too early in the year.

Doing this on a mountain bike is a very strenuous undertaking as the trail is relentlessly steep for almost the entire way. Most of it is rideable, but be prepared to hike your bike for a bit if conditions demand it. The bottom 2/3rds of this trail are a narrow doubletrack open to ATVs and dirt bikes, and this section has a fair bit of trail that is loose and rocky. The doubletrack will eventually lead to a locked gate, but just before you see it, there will be a trail sign pointing to the singletrack on your right. The singletrack has been well built with some nice rideable switchbacks, and although it is similar in steepness to the doubletrack, it will feel easier as the riding surface is much more enjoyable. There are some easy fixed rocks to negotiate, but nothing loose like lower down. The trail ends at a small man-made dam that has good views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.