Sunday morning, January 18th, we met early for another Local GOAT outing, this time heading up Bell Canyon toward the waterfall. The forecast hinted at winter chill, but the mood was high as we gathered at the trailhead, packs loaded and coffee still warm in hand.
Bell Canyon has a way of feeling both close to home and adventurous, especially in winter. The trail climbed steadily, snow lingering in shaded sections while the sun filtered through bare branches. Conversations ebbed and flowed as the group settled into a comfortable rhythm, boots crunching along the trail and breath visible in the cold air.
The final stretch toward the waterfall brought a quiet kind of focus. As the sound of rushing water grew louder, the trail opened to reveal Bell Canyon Waterfall spilling over rock and ice. Mist hung in the air, and the falls felt especially powerful against the frozen edges surrounding it. We paused here, soaking in the view, snapping photos, and taking a moment to appreciate the effort it took to get there together.
The hike down carried that familiar Local GOAT energy. Lighter steps, easy laughter, and the shared satisfaction that comes from starting a Sunday morning with movement and connection. Back at the parking lot, we shifted seamlessly from hike mode to trailgate mode.
Jimmy John’s bags came out of packs and cars, and the parking lot turned into our own casual picnic spot. Sandwiches were unwrapped, layers peeled off, and stories from the trail continued over lunch. It was the perfect reminder that community does not end when the hike does.
Local GOAT hikes are about more than miles or destinations. They are about showing up, moving together, and finding small moments of joy along the way. Sometimes that joy looks like a waterfall in winter. Sometimes it looks like a sandwich shared in a parking lot.
Thanks to everyone who joined us at Bell Canyon. We would not have wanted to spend our Sunday morning any other way.
