Waterfall canyon (Ogden)

Best waterfall views in spring. Can be done in winter. Short but strenuous. Good evening/sunset hike.

dogs allowed (on leash)

bathrooms at trail head

parkinglot fills up fast on weekends

This hike is 2.9 miles up and back with 1,259 feet elevation gain

First half is full sun, Second half is full shade

This is what utah.com has to say "This short but strenuous hike includes a rugged scramble over steep, rocky terrain, yet it has long been one of Ogden’s most popular hikes thanks to the spectacular 200-foot waterfall at the upper end of the canyon. Please respect the private property on both sides of the trail and don’t be tempted to climb the cliffs around the waterfall. It’s illegal and several hikers have fallen to their deaths from the treacherous rocks."

The trail is marked in the beginning, just follow the shoreline trail. But there are a few break offs as you go up. Just stay on the mail trail, don't turn off. You'll head southeast until you reach the woods, then go straight east into the canyon.

It's a steady incline the entire way up. The first half mile is a wide clean trail (shoreline trail). Once you hit the canyon it gets a little steeper with lots of rocks. The last quarter mile has more loose gravel and lots of dirt on the rocks so it was a little slippery coming down, but going up was fine. And we came down in the dark with no problems at all.

Nicholls Park in Fruit Heights

Nicholls park is a beautiful park in Fruit Heights right off Highway 89. There is a pavilion, bathrooms, large grassy areas, and best of all there is an amazing playground. The Castle Heights Playground is similar to Discovery Park in Pleasant Grove (one of our all time favorite parks). It’s a fun castle themed playground made of Trex, so it should last for awhile.

The playground has lots of places to climb and hide. You can look out of the tower, or slide down one of the two slides. We had fun playing hide and seek. There is also a section that looks like a boat where our three year-old had fun pretending he was a pirate.

There is also a Tot Lot section at Castle Heights playground with smaller climbing areas, toddler swings, and even a train to steer. Our three year-old wasn’t very interested in this area (even though it’s for his age) because he was able to keep up just fine on the bigger part of the playground. It was very accessible for all ages.

Another part of Nicholls Park that we liked was the walking trail in the ravine behind the playground. If you walk from the park west toward the pavilion, you will see a slope down to a dirt walking path. There is a path that follows the little stream and a few bridges that allow you to cross back and forth across the stream. The sign labels the stream as Baer Creek and it looks like it is a work in progress. We are excited to see what becomes of this project. We didn’t walk the full loop and there was no distance listed, but we had fun walking the trail for a little bit and then heading back to the playground.

We loved visiting Nicholls Park partially because we visited a part of Utah that is often overlooked because it is not next to the 1-15. This is definitely a beautiful park to visit and spend some time playing as a family.

Directions: Nicholls Park is located at 1105 Nicholls Road in Fruit Heights. Take Highway 89 either north from Lagoon, or South from the 1-84 or Ogden. Turn west onto Nicholls Rd and the park is just a short distance down the road.

Family Tips for Nicholls Park:

Wear good walking shoes if you are going to venture down to the trail.
There is a pavilion and lots of grass, so a picnic lunch would work well at this park.

Pineview West Trail

6.2 mi RT
easy
spring, summer, fall

The Pineview West Trail follows the shoreline of Pineview Reservoir for 3.1 miles, offering hikers a mix of dense forest, lush wetlands, and panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. The trail can be completed as an out-and-back of 6.2 miles, or, with a shuttle, as a point-to-point between the two trailheads. Aside from a short section where the trail traverses the highway, this is an excellent hike for children and novice hikers and bikers.

Trailhead

The Pineview West Trail can be reached from Ogden, UT:

Drive east up Ogden Canyon/Highway 39 for about five miles to the junction with Highway 158 at the Pineview Reservoir dam.
Turn left, crossing the dam, and continue 1.4 miles to the Pineview trailhead on the right side of the road (41.265682, -111.824587).
The Pineview West Trail extends 3.1 miles between the Pineview trailhead and the North Arm trailhead (41.296278, -111.826149). To reach the North Arm trailhead, continue past the Pineview trailhead another 2.4 miles. Both trailheads have vault toilets and plenty of parking; however, the Pineview trailhead receives more usage due to the easy shoreline access available there.

The Hike

The Pineview West Trail can be hiked in either direction. The south end is a bit more developed, as it passes by the port launch ramp and along the backside of the Pineview Yacht Club. The best nature experience is on the north end, so this trail guide describes travel from north to south.

From the North Arm trailhead, begin hiking on the trail heading southwest into the wetlands. An abundance of wildlife resides here. If you are lucky, you might even see one of the beautiful ospreys that frequent the area.

Continue hiking as the trail crosses over a few bridged areas before entering a dense forest. You will shortly encounter a signed nature trail on the left. This out-and-back detour adds about a half mile to the hike. Continue hiking as the trail continues south. There are several small ups and downs, including a few short, steep sections, but the hiking is generally easy. This part of the trail is mostly in the forest, but there are occasional views of Pineview Reservoir in the distance.

After 1.5 miles, the trail appears to end at a gravel parking area (41.281268, -111.819789). You may turn back at this point, or continue south. Follow the gravel road until a trail cuts off on the left behind the Pineview Yacht Club. The trail crosses the entrance to the Yacht Club and follows along the highway for about 100 feet before resuming. Watch children closely through this section due to busy traffic on the road.

The trail continues south along the shoreline of the reservoir, offering outstanding views. After you reach the port launch ramp, make your way past where the trail resumes on the other side of the parking area. From here, the easy trail continues through a field before winding around the shoreline and eventually ending at the north end of the Pineview trailhead. Return the way you came. Round trip hiking distance is approximately 6.2 miles.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs allowed on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
Special Considerations

This trail is popular with mountain bikers. Use caution near blind corners, and watch out for children, who may not be visible to oncoming traffic.
The north end of the trail can become quite muddy in wet conditions and should be avoided until dry to avoid damage to the trail.

Birdsong Trail

2 mi RT
easy
spring, summer, fall

The Birdsong Trail is a great beginner hike through an urban wilderness complete with dense forest, springs, a pond, and wildlife. In just under one mile, the trail winds through a variety of landscapes, offering a wilderness feel to a trail that is still very much in the city.

This trail is suitable for most healthy adults and children.

Trailhead

The Birdsong Trail begins at the Rainbow Trailhead at the mouth of Ogden Canyon. The trailhead (41.235319,-111.930466) is located in the southwest corner of the parking lot of Rainbow Gardens at 1851 Valley Drive. Look for signs indicating the designated trailhead parking.

You can also start the hike from its other end on Fillmore Avenue near 20th Street; however, this is not recommended unless you are walking or riding to the trail as there is very little parking on that end.

The Hike

From the trailhead, choose the path with the large "Rainbow Trail" banner over the trail. Follow the trail for about 100 feet to a junction and turn left. (The junction sign here says you can go left or right, but this is incorrect. Turn right.) Continue about 60 feet and turn right onto the Birdsong Trail.

The Birdsong Trail changes character throughout its length. The first section winds through a lush forest rich with birds and other small animals – this is how the trail got its name. As the trail continues, it climbs up a fairly steep hill to the top of a sagebrush-covered bench with fantastic views of the east bench and Wasatch Mountains.

From here the trail continues into another forested section containing a spring and a small pond with a bench nearby. This makes for a good break spot to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. Some may choose to turn around at this point or continue another quarter mile to the end of the trail on Fillmore Avenue near 20th Street. There is a picnic table at the top of the trail with more great views.

Rules and Regulations

Keep pets on leash.
Clean up after pets.
Special Considerations

Mountain bikers frequently use this trail. Be especially cautious with young children who may not be easily seen. There are many blind corners as the trail winds through the trees.

Gib's Loop

3 mi loop
easy
spring, summer, fall

Gib’s Loop is a nice hiking and biking trail in the foothills above Ogden. When combined with a short walk on city streets, this route creates an easy 3.0-mile loop. The trail was once known as the Mount Ogden Exercise Trail, but was renamed Gib’s Loop after Gib Wallace, who was instrumental in shaping the Ogden trails system. This trail is suitable for children and adults of all skill levels.

Trailhead

Gib’s Loop begins at the 29th Street trailhead on the east bench of Ogden (41.210712,-111.931926):

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.
Turn right into the trailhead parking area on Buchanan Avenue.
Gib’s Loop may also be hiked starting at the 36th Street trailhead (41.197108, -111.937781) or from the 32nd Street trailhead (41.205918, -111.939955) at Mount Ogden park.

The Hike

From the parking area, begin hiking south through the covered gateway. Follow the signs for Gib’s Loop. There is a separate trail for hiking or mountain biking. If you are hiking, continue on the trail to the right.

The trail skirts along the east side of Mount Ogden golf course and occasionally utilizes parts of the paved golf cart path. Continue hiking south, following the well-signed route. Soon the trail begins to descend into the Strong Canyon drainage. After about 1.2 miles, the trail arrives at the 36th Street trailhead where the trail turns north.

Continue hiking north as the trail follows the west side of the golf course. After 2.0 miles, the trail ends at the 32nd Street trailhead on Taylor Avenue. To complete the loop, follow Taylor Avenue north to 29th Street, and then follow 29th Street east back to the trailhead. Total round trip hiking distance is just short of 3.0 miles.

Hidden Valley Trail

Ogden
Hidden Valley Trail is a 3.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Ogden, UT that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and snowshoeing and is accessible from May until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

The path to Hidden Valley uses the Indian Trail for approximately one-half mile. At this point a trail leads up into the hills and back to the south, and can easily be missed so watch for words painted on rocks on the uphill side of the trail. This is the beginning of the Hidden Valley Trail. It is a fairly steep trail but the path is well defined. The hike is about 2.5 miles one-way dead end. It calls for a vertical ascent of about 2,200 feet. Hidden Valley, a substantial mountain bowl, was for centuries a favored hunting ground for Indians, trappers and the early pioneers. Populations of Rocky Mountain sheep, deer, elk and other game animals used the area for spring forage or relief from the heat of the summer. The hike offers spectacular views of the Ogden area. Carry along water and a snack. This is a non-accessible, simple/minor developed trail.

To hike it all the way from Rainbow Gardens (which makes it a little over 3 miles and some 2400' elevation one way), make sure you take the L towards the Bonneville Shoreline Trail right at the beginning, then keep going up, once you are on the bench don't fall for the L out towards the lookout. After you successfully access the Indian Trail and are climbing quickly with Ogden Canyon far below, watch carefully for the steep stone steps off to your R. There is no sign. The easiest way is to use an app for your phone like the alltrails app so you can see when you are approaching it. From there just get ready to climb!

Highly recommended to do in fall or spring, not the heat of the summer.

Indian Trail

Ogden
4.3 miles ONE WAY
moderate

In olden times, Shoshone Indians used this trail to avoid the high waters at the mouth of the canyon. Now the paved highway provides easy access into the canyon.

The Indian Trail is a moderate hike that ascends through lush evergreen forest and past interesting geology. It climbs steeply into Ogden Canyon, winds in and out of Warm Water Canyon, climbs to "Nevada Viewpoint" on the ridge between Warm Water Canyon and Cold Water Canyon, and then descends to into Cold Water Canyon near the Cold Water Canyon Trailhead. You can hike it out and back, or arrange a shuttle and hike from trailhead to trailhead.

22nd Street Trailhead
 (41.2265, -111.931)
This trailhead is located at the top of 22nd Street, on the east side of Ogden, near the mouth of Ogden Canyon. There is a paved parking area but no other facilities.

Warm Water Canyon
 (41.2382768, -111.9093847)
Warm Water Canyon is an easy-to-recognize landmark along the trail.

Cold Water Canyon Trailhead
 (41.2407767, -111.9004956)
The Cold Water Canyon Trailhead is in Ogden Canyon, about 1.5 miles up from its intersection with Valley Drive (at Rainbow Gardens). There is a Smokey the Bear sign along the highway by the trailhead.

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.

Salomon Center

Ogden, 338 23rd St

indoor skydiving, indoor surfing, climbing wall, bowling, and more

Malan's Peak (via Taylor Canyon)

Ogden, trailhead parking at the end of 29th St.

5 mi RT
2-3 hrs
Moderate, 2200' elevation gain
Mostly shaded once you get in the canyon
No restrooms at trailhead
Year round
*take the Taylor Canyon South trail

Mount Ogden (via Snowbasin gondola)

(Huntsville/ Snowbasin, the Needles Gondola departs from in front of Grizzly Center)
3.1mi RT, 2-2.5 hrs
Easy, 862' elevation gain
No shade
Summer
Restrooms at the base (Grizzly Center) and at Needles Lodge
*costs $ to ride the gondola; ride is 18 min. long; only operates Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
*at the top, turn left; follow the sign to Cirque Practice Loop; then switch to the Needles Cirque trail; at the saddle, you can recognize Mt. Ogden by its communications towers
*watch for rattlesnakes
*there is also an 18 hole disc golf course at Snowbasin

Ogden Botanical Gardens

1750 Monroe Blvd

11 acres of landscaped grounds

Ogden Nature Center

966 W 12th St.

A wildlife sanctuary and education center with exhibits and walking trails

Ogden River Parkway

3.4 mi one way, but can be less
Easy, paved
Mostly shaded
Year round
Restrooms at trailhead and at parks along the way
*the most scenic section is from the mouth of the canyon to Ogden Botanical Gardens (1.4mi)
*park at Rainbow Gardens; the trailhead is across the street
*also goes through the Eccles Dinosaur park

Weber State University

Dee Events Center hosts concerts and events