Waterfall Canyon | Ogden

Hiking Waterfall Canyon - Ogden Hiking Waterfall Canyon

Ogden

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike
MAPS: Ogden, UT;

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as 7. North wind 2 to 6 mph.

28 | 14

Wed

A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

30 | 13

Thu

A chance of snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

37 | 22

Fri

A chance of snow after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

41 | 24

Sat

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

36 | 26

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: Flowing in Waterfall Canyon, dry the first 1/2 of the hike.

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as 7. North wind 2 to 6 mph.

28 | 14

Wed

A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

30 | 13

Thu

A chance of snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

37 | 22

Fri

A chance of snow after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

41 | 24

Sat

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

36 | 26

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Skyline to the south of Waterfall Canyon

Skyline to the south of Waterfall Canyon

Why are hikers always drawn to waterfalls? I am not sure why waterfalls are always a popular hiking destination, but they generally are. Waterfall Canyon, near Ogden, is no exception. The 2.4-mile hike offers ok hiking to an excellent waterfall. It is one of the more popular hikes in the area, and on any given summer weekend, you are likely to see many people on the trail.

Looking for high adventure? In the summer season, guided waterfall zip lining is offered. Bring your wallet if you are interested, it is certainly a stunning backdrop to zip line across.

Note: The trail is mostly on private property. Currently (2016), the signs are welcoming and access is granted. Please be very courteous while visiting the falls, pick up any trash you may see, stay out of closed areas, and minimize impacts. The landowner is very generous to allow public access, and hopefully with continued respect, access will continue to be allowed.
Views of Ogden from the Falls.

Views of Ogden from the Falls.

Getting There

The trailhead is on the east end of 29th Street in Ogden, UT. The easiest way to get there is to leave I-84 at 87 and head north. This is just at the mouth of Ogden Canyon.

Follow US89 north as it climbs the hill. Turn right on Harrison Blvd at the light and follow Harrison Blvd for 4.0 miles and turn right on 30th Street. Take the next left onto Tyler Avenue.

Follow Tyler Avenue for 1 block and turn right on 29th Street. Follow 29th Street to its end. The trailhead and parking lot are on the right. There is a restroom at the trailhead.

The falls in morning light.

The falls in morning light.

The impressive waterfall in Waterfall Canyon

The impressive waterfall in Waterfall Canyon

Route

From the trailhead follow the trail south, making a quick left. This is generally well signed. Follow the trail as it climbs a short section and joins the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Turn right and head south on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

The trail soon passes through a gate and enters private property. Again, please be respectful. The trail climbs a bit and meanders to Waterfall Canyon with a trail junction and sign. This first section of the hike offers little shade and can be quite hot.

At the junction, turn left and leave the wide shoreline trail for the narrow and rocky final section of trail to the falls. This section of the trail climbs a fair bit and is rocky, but not difficult. The trail ends at the base of the falls.

I would recommend mid-day to afternoon for the best photos. The falls (in summer) were pretty well shaded until about noon.

Return the same way.


Maps

Route / 2.66 miles / Elevation Range 4,757 - 5,947 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 421871mE 4562564mN

N41° 12' 38" W111° 55' 55"

Main Shoreline Trail

12T 421961mE 4562343mN

N41° 12' 31" W111° 55' 51"

Gate

12T 421972mE 4562224mN

N41° 12' 28" W111° 55' 51"

Left Up Waterfall

12T 422315mE 4561713mN

N41° 12' 11" W111° 55' 36"

Waterfall

12T 422855mE 4561408mN

N41° 12' 01" W111° 55' 12"

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