It’s no secret that some of the best things about Utah are the winsome mountains that straddle our state. Utah’s mountains play a significant role in the charm and activity base we have here. But what adventures do our mountains truly hold for us? The best way to discover your local mountains is by hiking!
Here in Weber County, there are dozens of trails to choose from. I use the website AllTrails to find hikes close to my location. When you find yourself in my neck of the woods, here are the top four trails to check out while discovering my local mountains:
Waterfall Canyon
One of the hikes you’ll want to experience is Waterfall Canyon. This out-and-back trail is a good option because it is open year-round, and at only 2.4 miles in length, it is great for beginners. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, this trail is open to not only hiking, but also mountain biking and snowshoeing.
For those of you who enjoy hiking with your four-legged friends, Waterfall Canyon allows dogs as long as they are leashed. As you probably guessed by the name, this canyon is home to a gorgeous waterfall. This hike definitely won’t disappoint and is a great way to get you started on some others.
Jump Off Canyon
Jump Off Canyon is also a great choice for those of you who are just beginning to discover our trails. Being just a little longer than Waterfall Canyon, this trail is a 2.5 mile loop. If you’re looking for something a little more out-of-the-box than hiking or biking on this trail, bird watching is a great activity to engage in while there. Bird watching is best from March to November, and you can take your leashed canine companion with you.
Jump Off, unlike Waterfall Canyon, is a loop trail so you won’t have to turn around at any point on your hike. In addition, wildflowers and greenery are interwoven throughout the canyon. Along with the lush plants, the beauty of nature also provides you with a waterfall that pours down the sides of the rocks around you.
Cold Water Canyon
If you’re looking for a hike where all you see for miles is lush green trees and wildlife, Cold Water is for you. Along with the alluring greenery, a river runs through it. It is particularly stunning in the fall when the leaves turn to flaming oranges and reds.
This trail is great for snowshoeing, and Utah’s “Greatest Snow on Earth” makes the landscape even more mesmerizing. This trail is a little more intense with a distance of 4.2 miles and an elevation gain of 1,952 feet. Like Waterfall Canyon, Cold Water Canyon is also an out-and-back hike that welcomes your furry friends as long as they are leashed.
One of the special things about this trail is that it leads to an old Civilian Conservative Corps workers’ base camp that was built along the walls of the Ogden river during the Great Depression. A photo there would make a great post to spice up your Instagram feed.
Malans Peak
Utah’s sunsets are something everyone should experience from the top of a mountain, which is why I suggest Malans Peak Canyon, with its elevation gain of 2,060 feet. This trail is fairly easy to follow but can get steep in some places. On this trail you can pursue several activities including hiking, running, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, and even rock climbing. There are many stops you can make to savor the scenery, and even a lookout where you can gaze at the valley below.
There is a place for everyone in Utah’s outdoor recreation scene, so grab a good map and check them out for yourself! Our mountains offer us so much to see, do and enjoy, that once you find your own mountain accord, you’ll want to help others discover the joy and beauty of their local mountains as well.
Always respect our wild places by packing out what you pack in.
