The Ogden Canyon Overlook starts from Snowbasin Ski Resort, and for little effort, leads to an amazing view down to Ogden, Utah and surrounding canyons. Winter is an amazing time to hike or snowshoe here, as there are no bikes riding this route and no campers at the Maples Campground to worry about with your dogs. As you hike this route, you’ll see this backcountry area blanketed in white, beautiful snow-capped trees, and after two switchbacks, you’ll reach the most rewarding part – the overlook. Grab your pups and get out in the snow!

Directions

From SLC, head north on I-15 and take exit 394 to merge onto HWY 89. Stay on this for 11 miles, then merge onto I-84 heading East. Drive 4 miles then take exit 92; follow the signs for Snowbasin. Park in Parking Lot #2. The trail starts at the gate on the right side of the road. Here is a driving map. In summer months, you can drive down this gated road (July-October) to the actual TH.

 

Trail Info

Distance: 5.2 miles RT

Elevation gain: 870 ft

Time: 2-4 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash (I would avoid hiking here in the Summer with your dog since this trail is full of mountain bikers, or just hike with them ON leash)

Kid friendly? Yes

Fees/Permits? None

 

Start of the Hike to the Ogden Overlook

 In Winter, the trail starts at the metal gate right off the road, in the corner, by Parking Lot #2.

 The trail in the beginning is very open – you should have a great view of Sardine Peak the entire time (the peak in the far left of this photo).

 You’ll reach a second meadow (this is the end of the road in summer & the Maples Campground), and come upon a 4-way. Turn left, heading NW.

 You should now reach the official TH sign.

 Hiking the next mile is pretty easy, as it gently gains elevation. You’ll also hike up two long switchbacks.

Charlie loves the snow so much, that he will do sprints along the trail!

At the saddle. Snowbasin Ski Resort is to the right, Sardine Peak to the left.

A random workout bar and bench was at the saddle. Dan decided to fit in a few pull-ups but of course the dogs would have rather jumped on top of him LOL! From the saddle, you’ll see a sign to turn left.

 One more long switchback – Charlie wasn’t happy about that!

We reached the Ogden Canyon Overlook in 1 hour 45 minutes. The snow kept getting deeper the higher we hiked, so it really slowed us down. I couldn’t get over this awesome view!!!

 The crew for the day!

Same spot, November 2017

 We took our time at the overlook – took photos, drank hot tea from my thermos, had a snack, put on our warmer puffy coats, then headed back down.

Winter

 Whoo hoo – so pretty above the inversion! Loving my Skhoop Skirt too!

 

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.Read about the 4 Must Have Items for Winter Hiking!

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