Halfway between Southern Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks and Yellowstone, lies Ogden, Utah.
Scenic Drives in Ogden
If you’re not up for human-powered recreation like hiking, mountain biking, or paddlesports, but you still want to immerse yourself in Ogden’s epic scenery, there are three scenic drives that will do the job: the Ogden River Scenic Byway, the Monte Cristo Scenic Byway (both SR-39), and Powder Mountain Road.
Ogden River Scenic Byway
Length: Approximately 40 miles, 1-way. Location: Starting from Ogden’s 12th Street, heading east through Ogden Canyon and then continuing east toward the Wasatch Cache National Forest Boundary.Drive Time: 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hrs.
Description: This jaunt will take you up Ogden Canyon, which snakes along the Ogden River heading east. As you emerge from the canyon, the Ogden Valley will unfold before you, exposing Pineview Reservoir and the nearby lakeside hamlet of Huntsville. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to indulge in one of the great culinary wonders of the new world… a Star Burger from the Shooting Star Saloon in downtown Huntsville. We guarantee you’ve never had anything like it. Also, check out the stuffed St. Bernard’s head on the wall to make this surreal stop complete. As you continue east, you’ll be on your way to some incredible viewpoints within the Monte Cristo Mountain Range. Roll down your windows and breathe deeply. This is the way air is supposed to smell.
Points of Interest: Eccles Dinosaur Park, Jackson Fork Inn, Ogden River, Pineview Reservoir, Causey Reservoir, Sill's Red Rock Cafe, Shooting Star Saloon, Monte Cristo Mountain Range, and Huntsville Square.
Trapper’s Loop Road Scenic Backway
Length: Approximately 32 miles round-trip.Location: Starting from Ogden’s 12th street heading east through Ogden Canyon then heading south toward Mountain Green along Highway 167.Drive Time: 45 minutes
Description: This journey starts out the same as the Ogden River Scenic Byway. Make sure you stop along the river for a bite to eat at Ogden Beer Company or a couple scoops of the locals’ favorite Farr’s Ice Cream. Once you reach the Ogden Valley, head south on Highway 167 and enjoy the climb over what is called Trapper’s Loop. The loop takes you over rolling hills and fields and then ascends quickly toward the Snowbasin Ski Resort. This journey offers a great view of the backside of the northern Wasatch Mountain Range, including Mt. Ogden, Strawberry Peak, DeMoisey Peak and the rocky formation called the Needles. Descend to Mountain Green and down Weber Canyon back to Ogden.
Points of Interest: Jackson Fork Inn, Farr Better Ice Cream, Gray Cliff Restaurant, Pineview Reservoir, Ogden Beer Company and Snowbasin Ski Resort.
