Outdoor enthusiasts often flock to the Ogden area to explore the northern Wasatch Mountain Range, where rugged peaks rise sharply, framed by towering pines and a clear blue sky. Hiking through this scenic landscape reveals expansive meadows, serene alpine lakes, shaded streams, and cascading waterfalls, all home to a thriving population of elk, moose, and various wildlife. With hundreds of trails around the valley and nearby hillsides, hikers can choose from leisurely nature walks to more challenging wilderness adventures.

An Urban Hike
Take a stroll through Ogden’s vibrant downtown along Historic 25th Street. Here you can enjoy impressive artwork, catch a comedy show, or savor delicious local cuisine at one of many eateries. Head to the Ogden Amphitheater for an evening concert or indulge in some relaxed window shopping. This nationally recognized “Best Main Street” is the perfect way to explore and experience all that Ogden has to offer.

Malans Peak
This moderately challenging hike offers stunning rewards for those seeking a great view. With a 2,140-foot elevation gain over less than three miles, the summit of this round-trip trail provides panoramic vistas of Ogden, the Great Salt Lake, and the surrounding mountains. The first half of the five-mile route winds through shaded terrain and easy paths, passing a waterfall as it leads into Taylor Canyon. The second half becomes more difficult, featuring steep switchbacks lined with pines. Along the way, there are multiple spots to take in the scenery, with the best views awaiting you at the summit.

Waterfall Canyon
The Waterfall Canyon Trail is one of Ogden’s most popular hikes. This short yet moderately strenuous out-and-back trail leads to a stunning 200-foot waterfall, framed by the valley below. In the warmer summer months, take a refreshing break by the waterfall, or visit during winter when it transforms into a snow-covered, frozen cascade. While not required, spikes, poles, and walking sticks are recommended to navigate the rocky terrain.  This trek on Ogden’s east side provides beautiful views and spectacular sunsets.

The Ogden River Parkway
The nearby mountains aren’t the only option for visitors eager to enjoy the outdoors. Right in the heart of the city, the Ogden River Parkway Trail offers hikers, walkers, and cyclists an easy and accessible nature escape. As part of the larger Centennial Trail, this 4.7-mile path winds along the Ogden River, linking several popular parks, including the Ogden Botanical Gardens, Big D Sports Park, Lorin Farr Park, and the beloved Dinosaur Park. It’s perfect for joggers, dog walkers, families with young children, or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll—and yes, there are fish in the river!

The Centennial Trail
The Centennial Trail combines paved and off-road paths to form a 27-mile loop around Ogden and its neighboring communities. Beginning at the mouth of Ogden Canyon, the trail follows the Ogden River Parkway west, continues south along the Weber River Parkway, then turns east through South Weber before heading north up Skyline Drive to connect with the Beus Canyon Trail and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Altogether, the Centennial Trail links the greenbelts along the Ogden and Weber rivers into a continuous circuit. While it’s a long journey on foot, the trail is excellent for mountain biking, with most cyclists choosing sections that match their skills and interests.

21st Street Pond
A short but scenic detour from the Centennial Trail leads to Ogden’s 21st Pond, a gentle 1.2-mile paved loop that circles the water. Located where the Weber River meets 21st Street, this trail is home to an abundance of ducks, turtles, and birds, making it a perfect, family-friendly outing.

Fort Buenaventura Park
This historic “mountain man” park is rich with connections to early American fur trappers and Mormon settlers. Spanning 84 acres along the Weber River, the park features several walking and biking trails, a campground, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a canoe pond. The Centennial Trail passes by the main park entrance, and just beyond it, a bridge over the Weber River provides an additional access point into the park.

The Indian Trail

This 8.4-mile out-and-back trail is considered a challenging route, typically taking over five hours to complete. It’s a popular spot for hiking and running, so you can expect to encounter other adventurers along the way, with the best time to visit between March and November. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The trail roughly follows an ancient Shoshone Indian path once used to travel from Ogden Canyon into the Ogden Valley. Its heavily forested route gives hikers a true wilderness experience. Well-maintained, the trail climbs through Ogden Canyon, winds through Warm Water Canyon, and ascends to the “Nevada View Point” before descending into Cold Water Canyon near the Cold Water Canyon Trailhead.

Birdsong Trail
For those seeking a family-friendly hike filled with scenic views, wildflowers, and wildlife, the Birdsong Trail is a perfect choice. This 2.4-mile loop near Ogden Canyon offers a peaceful stroll through the foothills overlooking Ogden. True to its name, the trail is alive with the sounds of birdsong along the way. About halfway through the loop, hikers can take a side path leading to a scenic overlook with sweeping views high above the city.

Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Winding along the Wasatch Mountains and the eastern edge of the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail offers hundreds of miles of Utah’s stunning natural beauty. Ogden is home to a special stretch of this trail—the Mount Ogden section—which is a favorite among hikers, bikers, and trail runners. Though often referred to as a loop, this foothill trail is primarily an out-and-back route, making it easy to enjoy either as a short stroll or a more challenging, longer adventure. This section of the Bonneville runs along the eastern rim of central Ogden, beginning near 29th Street and stretching up through the foothills to the Ogden River District.

Ben Lomond Peak
Ben Lomond Peak is the most challenging hike on our list, offering a rewarding, high-elevation overlook of the Ogden Valley, the Great Salt Lake, and the stunning peaks of the Wasatch Range. This 15.7-mile trek takes an average of eight hours to complete and should not be underestimated. Hikers must come prepared for a full-day adventure with proper training and plenty of supplies. The trail climbs 3,500 feet in elevation, with the upper sections often remaining snow-covered for much of the year. The best time to tackle this hike is between June and early October, and spikes and poles are recommended to help navigate the steep, snowy sections.

To learn more about trails in the Ogden area, visit the network Trails website.

As you can see, Ogden boasts a wide range of trails suited for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers. Whether you’re looking for a good workout or a fun family outing, an Ogden trail is the perfect choice for your next outdoor adventure. Just remember to wear sturdy footwear and stay hydrated along the way!