Waterfall Canyon

Ogden, trailhead at the end of 29th street (same as Taylor Canyon/Malan's peak)
2.6mi RT
1.5-2 hrs
Moderately strenuous, 1492' elevation gain
Mostly shaded
Year round (maybe not winter)
No restrooms at trailhead

*once into the canyon, there are several forks where you can follow either trail on either side of the creek
*need to scramble to reach the base of the waterfall

**this trail can be turned into a loop with the Malan's Peak trail; start here, then  climb the steep rocky slope to the right of the waterfall; it is a 5 mile loop and should always be done counterclockwise as it is safer to go up the waterfall than down it

Waterfall Canyon is a popular hike in the foothills above Ogden. The trail climbs up a steep canyon to the base of a beautiful 200-foot waterfall.

This family friendly hike is suitable for most healthy adults and children but can be quite strenuous at times, especially the last half of the hike that climbs a steep and rugged trail to the base of the falls.

Trailhead

The hike to Waterfall Canyon begins at the 29th Street Trailhead in Ogden (41.210712,-111.931926).

From Ogden, drive east on 30th Street until it ends at Polk Avenue.
Turn left onto Polk Avenue and drive two blocks.
Turn right on 29th Street and continue to the end of the road, turning right into the trailhead parking area on Buchanan Avenue.
Restrooms available at the trailhead.

The Hike

From the parking area at the 29th Street Trailhead, begin hiking up the trail headed east that is signed for the Bonneville Shoreline Connector Trail. Small print on the bottom of the sign confirms this is the correct route to Waterfall Canyon.

Continue on the connector trail as it climbs up the hillside, gaining about 100 feet in elevation before arriving at a larger trail. Turn right here and follow the trail as it traverses the foothills toward Waterfall Canyon. This section of the trail is generally smooth and not very difficult with outstanding views of the Ogden area.

As the trail passes by two large abandoned water tanks, it turns east and begins heading up Waterfall Canyon. Continue for about a quarter mile to where the trail crosses a small creek on a wooden bridge.

Just beyond this bridge, take the unsigned trail on the left (41.209352,-111.930806). This junction is very easy to miss with no signage, so pay close attention after crossing the wooden bridge.

From the junction near the bridge, the character of the trail changes, becoming much more steep and rugged as it climbs the final 520 feet of elevation to the base of the falls. This section of the trail can be particularly difficult on busy weekends as hikers try to squeeze past. Be courteous to fellow hikers and always yield to uphill traffic.

After 1.4 miles, the trail arrives at the base of the namesake 200-foot waterfall (41.200352,-111.920101). For much of the year, the falls aren’t much more than a trickle but are still a beautiful sight as the water cascades down the massive limestone wall.

Be sure to keep an eye on children while at the falls. The rocks in the area have a ledge-like structure that may seem easy to climb, but they are actually very loose and dangerous. Several accidents have occurred here over the years, some of which have resulted in fatalities.

Round trip mileage from the trailhead to the base of the falls is approximately 2.8 miles with about 1,020 feet of elevation gain.

Rules and Regulations

Keep pets on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
Pack out what you pack in.
Special Considerations

Some hikers may appreciate trekking poles or a walking stick for the steep portions of this hike.