Bell Bluff is one of several prominent peaks located around the town of Alpine, Ca. The trail leading to Bell Bluff starts in a quiet neighborhood where it crosses the Sweetwater River before leading you up and out of the canyon. The hike to Bell Bluff is relatively easy and the trail is well-traveled and good for hiking and trail running.
The summit of Bell Bluff is accessed by way of a small trail that leads you up the western face of the peak. Getting to the top will require a steel will, some good hiking shoes and a willingness to do some light bushwhacking and rock scrambling. Take care when attempting to summit, however, because you are exposed in some areas of the climb. A fall could be serious, and this hike should not be attempted by people who are inexperienced, improperly prepared, or not physically fit.
Bell Bluff Hike trail info.
- Distance: 7.2 miles (one way)
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Type: Out and back
- Elevation gain: 1835’
- Difficulty: 7/10 (bushwhacking, distance, off-trail navigation, scrambling)
- Elevation: 3409’
- Rank on 100 peaks list: 67/100
- Usage: Hiking, Trail running, Dogs allowed
- When to go: Spring, Fall, Winter
- Agency: Cleveland National Forest
Map & directions for Bell Bluff Hike
- Directions to trailhead (via Google Maps)
More trails near Bell Bluff Hike
Related posts
Additional links & resources
- Bell Bluff – Peak 64 – A vigorous bushwhack over the Sweetwater River – 100peaks.com
- Bell Bluff – HikingWithHawks.blogspot.com
- Bell Bluff – SDHikes.blogspot.com
Photos of Bell Bluff Hike
- John Muir Trail Day 13 – Mt. Whitey Summit from Crabtree Meadows Past Guitar Lake - January 10, 2017
- John Muir Trail Day 12 – Vidette Meadows Over Forester Pass to Crabtree Meadows. - January 9, 2017
- John Muir Trail Day 11 – Lake Marjorie over Pinchot Pass and Glen Pass to Vidette Meadows. - January 8, 2017