The Ogden Valley is home to a plethora of multi-use trails, each with its own personality and set of views. The south Skyline Trail is part of the Great Western Trail that stretches 4,455 miles through Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, linking 18 National Forests. Trail users may access trailheads easily from all Valley communities and within 15 minutes of Ogden City. The Weber Pathways map rates this trail as difficult, but once the ridge top is reached, the trail flattens and terrain is fairly easy.
The character of the Skyline Trail changes with every twist and turn of its 9.5 miles. An early morning visitor might be greeted by a veil of fog lingering on the tree tops. As the morning warms, snaking switchbacks quickly welcome streams of sunshine filtered by glimmering aspen and maples leaves. Occasionally fingers of quartzite stone jut into the twisting trail accompanied by arthritic looking tree roots. Generally the trail surface is compacted dirt sprinkled with pine needles and mulched leaves.
The well maintained trail rises quickly from the alpine forest, delivering its guests to a soaring ridgeline complete with 360-degree views of mountains, valleys, lakes, meadows and sky. The Great Salt Lake and Willard Bay stretch out to the west; Pineview Reservoir and Monte Cristo highlight the view to the east. In early summer, a huge array of wildflowers cover the hillsides. Yellow mule’s ear, purple lupine, red penstemon, dwarf waterleaf, golden eyed grass, and multiple colors of columbine are just a few of the mountain’s common summer flora.
Autumn brings a new selection of colors as the trees and grasses take on the brilliant hues of fall.
At the 2.5 mile point from the north trailhead there is an option to take a 2.5 mile one-way trek to Lewis Peak This trail section gains about 130 vertical feet from the Skyline Trail intersection to the peak. The hearty traveler can traverse the entire Skyline Trail (minus Lewis Peak) and return to the starting point for a 19-mile round trip adventure or arrange a vehicle shuttle. Driving distance between the north and south trailhead is just less than ten miles.
Dogs are welcome on the trail; leashes are required. Carry plenty of water, foul weather gear, a first aid kit, and cell phone in case of an emergency. Hikers should yield the trail to horses, and bicyclists should yield the trial to both hikers and horses. Always stay on the trail and keep it litter free. Although this trail dries out quickly after a storm, please avoid muddy trails.
A special thanks to Bikers Edge Company of Ogden for all the volunteer work they are doing on this trail during the 2009 summer. Their hard work is appreciated by all the trial users.
QUICK FACTS:
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LENGTH
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9.5 miles, one way |
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ELEVATION GAIN
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4,920’ to 8,100’ |
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TRAIL SURFACE
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Dirt |
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ALLOWED USES
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Hikers, bikers, horses, motorcycles, XC skiing, snowshoe |
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TRAILHEADS
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Highway 158 at Windsurfer Beach (south to north route) or North Ogden Divide summit (north to south route) |
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RESTROOMS
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Available at both trailheads (seasonal) |
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PARKING
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Ample parking at both trailhead locations, no overnight camping In parking lot. |
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WHAT TO EXPECT
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From North Trailhead: Dozens of switchbacks winding through a pine forest leading to a ridge that traverses from the North Ogden Divide to Ogden Canyon. From the South Trailhead: Long, narrow switchbacks wandering through a thick oak forest. Both directions offer a well maintained trail that ranges from moderate to difficult until the ridge is reached. At that point the terrain gently meanders through maples, oaks and a sea of wildflowers and native grasses. |
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WHAT YOU’LL SEE
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Dramatic views of the pastoral Ogden Valley including Pineview Reservoir; Mount Ben Lomond; Willard Peak; Middle Fork and South Fork of the Ogden River; and the peaks of Snowbasin dominate to the east. Willard Bay, the Great Salt Lake and the suburbs of Ogden City stretch out to the west. Wildlife is abundant as the area is home to moose, elk, deer, mountain lions, a multitude of birds and smaller mammals. Wildflowers abound throughout spring and summer seasons and in autumn the hills are ablaze with red, orange, yellow, mellow gold and brown. Winter brings a sea of “the greatest snow on earth” complimented by azure skies. |
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WHAT YOU WON’T SEE
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People (at least not very many), especially if you start early in the morning. |