10 Fun Things To Do in Ogden
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Ogden, Utah is a mountainous wonderland that sits comfortably on the shore of Great Salt Lake. Surrounding the city is the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which offers visitors hundreds of miles of trails begging to be explored, rivers flowing with life and mountains providing invigorating fresh air. Ogden is not only known for its world-class ski resorts, but also for the historic city streets that contain interesting stories of the past. Whether you prefer to explore the museums and walk the city streets or adventure into the forests for outdoor recreation, Ogden has everything you’re looking for and so much more. Here are 10 fun things to do in Ogden!
1. Ski Utah’s Famous Powder
One of the more popular activities enjoyed near Ogden are skiing and snowboarding down some notorious mountains. The area is full of snow each year and becomes a safe haven for anyone looking to glide down fresh powder.
- Nordic Valley is a great place to go if you are a beginner, or just want a nice relaxing day on the slopes. They offer private lessons, exciting events, and night skiing with over 80% of the mountain under lights.
- Powder Mountain is well-known as North America's largest ski resort and provides visitors with plenty of space to explore and discover a run that fits their needs.
- Snowbasin Resort is one of the oldest operating ski resorts in the country, and hosted the 2002 Olympic Games’ Downhill, Combined, and Super-G races! They have comfortable lodging, plenty of runs for advanced and beginners, and they are only 40 minutes from Salt Lake City.
2. Hike the Trails
Ogden offers over 200 miles of pristine trails to explore in and around the city. With so many places to hike, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast
- One trail that will capture your senses is Skyline Trail. This trail follows the entire ridgeline from Willard Peak and Ben Lomond, providing outstanding views of the vast, mountainous landscape. Begin your journey either on the North or South trailhead, but be prepared for high elevations and steep climbs.
- Another must-see trail is the Waterfall Canyon Trail, a moderately steep, 2.4-mile hike that leads you to a gorgeous 200-foot cascade delivering ice-cold snowmelt.
- Birdsong trail is an easy 2.4-mile hike that is great for the whole family. This trail offers amazing views, leads you past six springs, a pond and a forest filled with singing birds.
3. Bike the Trails
Mountain biking is rather prevalent in this outdoor-loving city. During the warmer months, Snowbasin Resort becomes a thriving outdoor recreation playground where bikers enjoy the plethora of trails. Another great location for mountain biking would be Ogden Canyon. Begin at the Wheeler Creek Trailhead and you’ll discover a wide trail that opens up into giant meadows, thick forests, and alpine ponds. Most of the trails are shared, so expect to see hikers and horses on the trail as well.
4. Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski
A great way to experience Ogdens' snow is by taking a journey on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail with a pair of snowshoes or Nordic skis. This trail traces along the western foothills of the Wasatch Range and the shoreline of Lake Bonneville. There are plenty of access points via local trailheads to where you’ll have many different routes to explore. Be sure to visit The Bike Shoppe for affordable snowshoe or ski rentals!
5. Snowmobile through Monte Cristo
Snowmobiling is an exhilarating way to enjoy your visit in Ogden. Within the Monte Cristo area is the 63-mile Curtis Creek Trail, an incredible trail for anyone looking to ride through the snow and receive stellar views of the Ogden Valley. Club Rec is a local outfitter in Eden that offers snowmobile rentals and scenic tours. If you plan to stay in the Monte Cristo area for a full day, you may want to book a night stay at the Monte Cristo Yurt for a remarkable evening in nature.
6. Enjoy the Rivers and Reservoirs
Ogden sits at the confluence of two rivers; the Weber and Ogden. These rivers offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy a nice day fishing. You’ll discover rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout; just to name a few. You can also visit the Pineview or Causey Reservoirs for more fishing, paddling, or swimming. During the winter, the reservoirs become a popular ice fishing destination where the locals regularly catch black crappies, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. For any information regarding fishing regulations and licensing, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
7. Experience the Wildflowers
Ogden is well-known as one of the top places in the country to experience fall colors with stunning mountain vistas as a beautiful backdrop. But Spring also offers an intriguing time to observe the wildflowers. The blooms usually begin at the lower elevations in early May and work their way up as the temperatures rise.
Visit the Ogden Botanical Gardens for a spectacular variety of flowers located directly in town. Bonneville Shoreline Trail, known to the locals as BST, is a wonderful place to surround yourself with the abundance of wildflowers. Bright hues of yellow, red, and orange are expected to be found along the shoreline of Lake Bonneville during spring. Once the warmer months arrive you could explore higher elevations like Snowbasin or Powder Mountain for refreshing temperatures and a vibrant sea of wildflowers.
8. Go Rock Climbing
Ogden is steeped in climbing history and offers many great locations that are easily accessible from town. Ogden Boulder Field is located below the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and provides numerous routes for all skill levels. 9th Street offers many sport routes, and easy top rope access with gorgeous views, making this one of the most popular crags in Ogden. The school Room consists of mostly single pitch lines, and Ogden Canyon is a great place to climb during hot weather as it provides copious shade. There are also plenty of venues in Ogden for anybody who is just beginning their climbing journey. iRock, Salomon Center, and The Front Climbing Club are all well-established venues fit for anybody wanting to learn about climbing.
9. Backpack to Rudy’s Flat
Backpacking is a great way to immerse yourself and spend the night in nature. Taking a hike into Mueller Park Canyon will offer a 7 to 13-mile round trip to Rudy’s Flat. Begin at Mueller Park Canyon Trailhead for a longer hike, or start your journey at North Canyon Trailhead for a shorter hike with less incline. Each approach offers beautiful views of the vast canyon landscape and offers a perfect opportunity for an overnight backpacking adventure. There is no water available at the trailheads or creek access at Rudy’s Flat, so come prepared.
10. Explore the City
There are plenty of unique locations within the city of Ogden that offer fun activities, educational opportunities and delicious cuisine.
- Historic 25th Street is a must-see location overflowing with art, music, food and history.
- The George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park will transport you back in time. With a museum that offers hands-on exhibits, you’ll discover the latest fossil finds from Utah and around the world.
- The Ogden Nature Center is a 152-acre nature preserve and education center that educates visitors about the local wildlife.
These are only a few out of many different places to check out while in Ogden. So be sure to bring your camera and a good pair of walking shoes, and be amazed by all that you’ll see.
Ogden is a beautiful balance of urban attractions and outdoor recreation. The city is your gateway to famous ski resorts and the abundance of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Whether you visit the area for skiing and hiking or for sightseeing and city life, Ogden is an exciting location in the great state of Utah.
Washington Boulevard in Ogden, looking toward Ben Lomond. Featured image by: Chase Charaba.
