Ogden has hundreds of mountain trails and hikes available. Weber State University is close to the action, as the campus is surrounded by trails spanning every direction. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to hike. WSU students offered their favorite trails and why you should visit them.
Hidden Valley Trail
This trail offers an array of wildflowers, trees and a drastic environment change. It is long, steep and doesn’t usually get a lot of visitors, allowing hikers some alone time. It can be accessed at the 22nd St. trail head by following the Indian Trail for one mile, then turning at the fork marked for Hidden Valley.
Sarah McDonald, student manager of the Adventure Program for campus recreation, recommends this hike because of the variety in flora.
“I like it particularly because you start at a lower elevation,” McDonald said. “You start with lots of scrub oaks, grass weed and cactus, and then you get up in the Alpine environment where it’s more evergreens and quaking aspens.”
Maples Trail
This trail offers a view of the trees changing colors from green to vibrant yellows, reds and oranges. It can be accessed at Snow Basin near the parking lot. Follow signs for trail 13 or reference the summer map provided on their website.
“Something I really like about it is that it’s not too steep, and it’s really windy,” said student Brycen Cluster. “As you’re going along, there are nice spots where it opens up. The trees clear out, and it’s kind of grassy, so if you like picnics, it’s great.”
Beus Canyon Trail
The Beus Canyon Trail takes time to complete. It begins in a desert environment and follows a creek through a tight canyon where it opens up in the higher elevation. This trail can be accessed at the forest service trail head on 46th St.
“There are great views the whole time and you really feel like you’re away from the city,” said campus recreation staff member Jamie Bernstein.
If students want to get a good idea of the hiking that Utah has to offer, including waterfalls, summits and snow shoeing, the Outdoor Program offers a hiking series. The next hike is to the summit of Ben Lomond on Oct. 27.
“It’s a great way to connect with the local community and local area,” Bernstein said. “It doesn’t matter if you got a good job or a bad job. You can always go hiking, and I think that’s important.”
