Following the tradition that started in 1922, Weber State University students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members will hike to the summit of Mount Ogden to celebrate homecoming week.
The first Wildcat journey to Mount Ogden occurred on Oct. 4, 1922, when a group of over 350 people climbed to the mountain’s summit and erected a 20-foot steel flagpole.
“Since that day, we have attempted to try and recreate that hike every single year for Weber State University students, faculty and staff,” said Daniel Turner, the Campus Recreation Outdoor Program coordinator. “There have been very few years that have been missed.”
The hike was held intermittently for a few years, but it was officially reestablished in 1987.
On Oct. 4, Wildcats can choose from three designated trails to hike: Beus Canyon Trail, Taylor Canyon Trail or Snowbasin Trail. Guided hikes will begin at 8, 9 and 9:30 a.m. from a Snowbasin check-in booth, where participants can register and pick up a WSU t-shirt.
A free bus to Snowbasin will leave at 7:15 a.m. from University Village and 7:35 a.m. from the Browning Center.
This year, Weber State President Charles Wight will be riding the 7:35 a.m. bus and joining the 9 a.m. hike.
“It is a very long tradition,” Wight said. “And I think it’s been a while since a president was on top of Mount Ogden.”
At 12 p.m., the traditional hike program will begin at the saddle of the mountain. This program includes singing the Weber State University fight song and handing out some prizes.
The hike attracts a large variety of participants, according to Turner. Everyone from kids to alumni well into their 90s have participated in this event.
“I think that every school has its own traditions and that’s part of what binds us to the school for a long time after we leave,” Wight said. “So participating in the hike is just one of those many things that make this a very special experience.”
The hike will typically take two to two and a half hours to complete and isn’t overly strenuous, Turner said.
“There’s really nothing to be intimidated about on this hike,” Turner said. “It’s something that anyone and everyone can participate in and there are people all along the way to help you out.”
Zach Golden, a trip leader from the Campus Recreation Outdoor Program, has been involved with the Mount Ogden hike for the past three years.
“The crowning moment for everybody is getting to the top and hanging out and seeing what we accomplished,” Golden said. “It’s part of the Weber State roots.”
After the hike, participants can ride the gondola back down the mountain. Busses will leave Snowbasin at about 4 p.m. and return to campus.
All ages, skill levels and community members are invited to join this homecoming tradition.
“Get outside and experience something new,” Turner said. “Join the tradition and establish this as a family tradition or as a personal tradition that you do every single year.”
