June 17, 2023: 4.6 miles total, 4.3 miles official BST. Trailforks hike log.
Originally, I had planned on going all the way from Ogden Canyon to North Ogden Canyon, but 10 miles is a very long day for us (we go about half as fast as usual when are filming). Since it was only 4 miles from Ogden Canyon to the Ogden Nature Center Trailhead, I though it would be a great day to have our extra special guest be Molly! I have been wanting to bring my dog (a 1 1/2 year old golden doodle) along on these hikes, because she loves the outdoors. I was worried that she wouldn’t last 7 or 8 miles in a day, but today was worth a shot. Turns out it was about right for her, she loved it, but was pretty tired by the end.
This section of trail is a prime example of the “Version 2” BST we have encountered several times. The original route simply followed an existing utility road along a canal: easy but not that interesting. Then around 2010, Weber Pathways (now TFNU) worked with Ogden City and Weber County (the major landowners in the area) to construct a higher single track. It was a very scenic route, highlighted by a number of rock outcrops that are popular with climbers. TFNU has maintained the trail well, including a major volunteer project they did in Spring 2022 to build retaining walls in a steep erosion prone area. An example I’d like to follow in a couple of spots in Utah County.
Most of this section of the BST was designed by Gib Wallace assisted by Dave Stuart (myself) working with Ogden Trails Network (not Weber Pathways – now TFNU). It was built by Gib and I with the help of a lot of volunteer groups – Weber County Jail Crew, Eagle Scout projects and others. TFNU did do the 2022 improvement from Ogden Canyon up to the canal road (I also helped with that project).
– Dave Stuart (801) 810-6581