Tips for Hiking/Biking Ogden's Spring Meltdown
The rundown of the run-up to the run-off.
- For the latest flooding info from Ogden City, click here.
- For the latest flooding information and for the forecast in your area, visit the National Weather Service.
- For an interactive flood hazard map, click here.
This winter, the Ogden area enjoyed above-average snowfall. While skiers and snowboarders have certainly reveled in its abundance, non-winter recreationalists are likely starting to get a wicked case of cabin fever.
Hundreds of miles of trails that have been buried under hundreds of inches of “The Greatest Snow on Earth®” are starting to appear as Ogden looks toward spring. As snowblowers are returned to storage and lawnmowers are pulled out, residents and visitors are chomping at the bit to get out on Ogden’s legendary trails.
Needless to say, high-elevation trails are going to remain snow-covered through late spring and into early summer this year. Naturally, trail lovers will be forced to stick to lower-elevation routes in and around Ogden this spring.
Here’s an important spring hiking safety tip: As hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians are looking to head up the mountain, the snowpack is looking to head down. Even well-designed trails with good drainage are going to see significant muddy sections due to spring rains and high run-off. It’s important to avoid muddy trails while hiking in the spring. Here's why:
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/MuddyTrails.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=5e9baa6722153ed238b5cd62db6d2ef1 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/MuddyTrails.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=9885e6b40268e6701c0631c21bac8523 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/MuddyTrails.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=d6443ddc1a7ee0cd598889f42af7e358 600w)
Muddy Trails
Meltdown means muddy trails. Damage done to muddy trails can take the better part of the season to repair. Basically, if you’re leaving noticeable tracks, it’s probably too wet to hike/ride. On such days, it’s best to stick to hard-surface pathways like the Ogden River Parkway or Weber River Parkway. Exercise caution in the beginning of Spring around the Ogden and Weber Rivers along these trails as run-off is likely to remain high throughout the spring hiking season.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/RLT_8389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=e58ece1f2fadb76c42bfbb62ff002f02 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/RLT_8389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=e619448aa1b5276a8c40c61fd0e23b3a 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/RLT_8389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=af59101694fb7b3c7286e95138445abd 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/RLT_8389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=8709feee703d74b037a5bc688309e055 1024w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/RLT_8389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=badc66913788ad41017f20b0fa66e52b 1200w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/RLT_8389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=9a7dc3709d02a42a57a1d53af6695d4f 1440w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/RLT_8389.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=506d33c5f30b0dd75afc90fdffcf71e7 1920w)
Dress for Success
Spring hiking in the Wasatch can get really wet, really quickly. As many locals will be quick to tell you, the weather in Utah can be unpredictable and can change fast. Even if you’re not expecting spring showers, it’s important to come prepared with proper clothing.
Waterproof boots, full rain gear, and a change of warm clothes are going to be your best friends for spring hiking. Depending on the trail, the temperature can drop several degrees from bottom to top, and it can get much colder as soon as the sun starts to set. It’s wise to come prepared even when the weather suggests otherwise.
(Don't forget your sunscreen...Ogden is pretty sunny after all)!
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Hike-Ogden-East-Bench-Jay_Dash_Photography_IMG_1837.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=256e6c2b2ab7ca893a886f175b108fb0 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Hike-Ogden-East-Bench-Jay_Dash_Photography_IMG_1837.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=cc5fbac01f9764ec45d7f61c2c953d03 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Hike-Ogden-East-Bench-Jay_Dash_Photography_IMG_1837.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=4304ac82d9a095a23515325986654019 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Hike-Ogden-East-Bench-Jay_Dash_Photography_IMG_1837.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=7a22125068d0709e3d5f861b89dacf45 1024w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Hike-Ogden-East-Bench-Jay_Dash_Photography_IMG_1837.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=6d02a48c72f739e0f4fdb80242013a1c 1200w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Hike-Ogden-East-Bench-Jay_Dash_Photography_IMG_1837.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=2f3a1a31cd47c99d06ea5889b72aa96a 1440w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Hike-Ogden-East-Bench-Jay_Dash_Photography_IMG_1837.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=da4a675c58300795e92703659902a285 1920w)
Know Before You Go
If your adventures take you outside, be prepared for changing weather which can happen quickly in the mountains. Make sure you check the weather leading up to your adventures! Always pack layers, sun protection, food and plenty of water. Canyons and access to the ski resorts can be tricky in icy or wintery conditions, so always check road conditions and plan ahead.
Perfect Trails for Spring Hiking
The area’s first single-track dirt trails to dry out will be at Antelope Island State Park. Check the park's website for fee information as well as current weather and trail conditions, and insect hatches. Insect repellent is always a good idea.
Despite being surrounded by salt water, more than 40 freshwater springs produce enough water to support the island's abundant wildlife. Bison are the most famous residents and need to be treated with an overabundance of respect and caution. Give all wildlife plenty of space, and give the wild bison even more.
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