Day Trips - Hiking

With hundreds of miles of trails to explore, it can be hard for hikers to know where to begin around Ogden.

The Ogden River Parkway is a shade-covered, paved pathway that follows the Ogden River from where it exits Ogden Canyon (at Rainbow Gardens) west to its confluence with the Weber River just west of Goode Pond. You can sneak a peek into Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park or the Lorin Farr Swimming Pool, the filming location for the famous scene from “The Sandlot” where Squints got his first kiss from Wendy Pfefercorn. The Parkway also takes you through the heart of the Ogden Botanical Gardens. All the while, you’ll have to remind yourself that you’re actually in the heart of an urban center.

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail traces the high-water mark of the ancient Lake Bonneville. As a result, it is relatively level and provides stunning views of Ogden City below as it snakes in and out of small canyons, over streams, and through wildflowers. Access to what locals refer to as the BST can be had virtually wherever any east-west street stops at the base of the Wasatch Range, but formal trailheads are located at the top of 22nd Street, 29th Street, 36th Street, and 42nd Street (Beus Trailhead). The BST’S proximity to town means it’s well trafficked and you’ll be sharing the trail with mountain bikers. Not to worry, Ogden has its trail etiquette figured out…but keep an eye out.

A hike up Taylor Canyon to Malan’s Peak needs to be completed before you can really say you’ve “hiked Ogden.” Start at the top of 27th Street (or use the 22nd Street or 29th Street trailhead) and follow the signs to Taylor Canyon. Once in the canyon, the steepness of the trail typically keeps mountain bikers to a minimum and the north-facing aspect through deep pines keeps you relatively cool as you ascend. Once atop Malan’s Peak, you’ll be rewarded with unobstructed views of the city below and far out across the Great Salt Lake.