Mt. Ogden

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail goes through multiple environments, each with its own unique features. Part of the trail follows a small stream, with small cascades. Above the creek, there is a lush canyon full of beautiful foliage. Once the trail climbs above this area, it crosses over into another canyon, where breathtaking views await. The trail contours alongside the north side of this huge canyon, where the fall colors are incredible.

Finally, the trail climbs into an alpine environment, with views of the Wasatch front and Ogden Valley.

There is some exposure along parts of the trail, and almost no shade. It can be extremely hot during the summer.

The trail starts out going nice and easy as you make your way over to Beus Canyon. It then goes up the canyon, following a small creek. Then it rises out of Beus Canyon and crosses into Burch Canyon, and contours along the mountainside, providing incredible views the entire way. The climbing is relentless, but it is usually gradual enough to run at a decent pace. The downhill is very nice.

The trail climbs up and out of the canyon and gains the Iverson ridge, which provides runners with excellent views as well. The trail then connects with a maintenance road and ascends to the peak, where a huge communications complex sits. The panorama is incredible, with views of the Great Salt Lake, Snow Basin ski resort, Ogden Valley, and the Wasatch Range. The maintenance road is very steep, probably the steepest part of the entire trail. It is also not very well-maintained and has a lot of loose rock. There is a side trail that spurs off the road and ascends to the peak, which is also very steep, but a little easier to climb up. It requires a bit of non-technical scrambling.