BHN_SaltLake-13

The Indian Trail was once used by the Shoshone to avoid high waters at the mouth of Ogden Canyon before the waters were dammed to form Pineview Reservoir. This hike covers half the Indian Trail and ends at Nevada Viewpoint overlooking Weber Valley, the canyon below, and on a clear day maybe even into Nevada. An old log shelter sits at the overlook and is often used by hikers. This is a great sunset hike and perfect during hot summer months, as the north-facing trail affords pleasant shade the entire way. A nice family hike, this easily accessed, well-maintained trail has something different to offer in each season of the year.

Start: Cold Water Canyon trailhead

Distance: 4.0 miles out and back

Hiking time: About 2 hours

Difficulty: Low end of moderate

Elevation gain: 1,230 feet

Trail surface: Dirt path, rock, and bridge

Best season: Spring for flowing streams; summer for great shade; fall for nice color

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Dogs permitted

Nearest town: Ogden

Fees and permits: No fees or permits required

Maps: USGS Snow Basin; Weber Pathways trail map available by calling (801) 393-2304

Trail contacts: Weber Pathways, PO Box 972, Ogden 84402; (801) 393-2304; www.weberpathways.org Ogden Ranger District, 2501 Wall Ave., Ogden 84401; (801) 625-5306

Finding the trailhead: Ogden lies 30 miles north of Salt Lake City. Head north on I-15 to the 12th Street exit (exit 344). Head east off the exit ramp and continue for 6 miles through Ogden, into Ogden Canyon, and to the Cold Water Canyon trailhead, which sits on the south side of the road. The gravel parking area holds approximately ten cars. There is a Smokey Bear sign as well as other informational signs at the trailhead, which is located on the east side of the parking area. GPS: N41 14.409' / W111 5.243'

The Hike

Short, beautiful Cold Water Canyon was home to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal attempt to provide employment for those out of work during the Great Depression. A CCC camp (one of 1,500 nationwide) housed the men in this canyon as they stabilized hillsides, constructed paths, built bridges and buildings in the Ogden area, and funneled $52 million into Utah’s depressed community. The area still has remnants of the camp and an old sawmill. A restored version of a large kiln sits at the trailhead.

The trail leaves the east side of the parking area and quickly begins to switch back and forth, making large S’s up the mountain beneath fir, oak, and spruce. These switchbacks are reinforced with wooden support walls to stop erosion and define the well-maintained trail. Hosting squaw bush, wild pink geranium, Oregon grape, and Gambel oak, the trail climbs the mountain and heads deeper into Cold Water Canyon.

There are a handful of backcountry fire rings and potential campsites along the trail, but no trash service is provided, so please pack out what you pack in.

At 0.4 mile the trail curves. The hairpin right takes you out 100 yards to a little overlook and camp area that overlooks the canyon. Continue straight.

The trail crosses a bridge over a running stream. The water in the canyon varies by season and runoff. There is a small fire pit and a bench next to the bridge, perfect for taking a break and enjoying the area. The first 0.75 mile of the trail wanders near a creek that runs during higher water times, making the trail all the more pleasant.

Once you are past the stream, the trail forks. The left-hand trail heads up the left branch of Cold Water Creek, takes you by an old sawmill, and ends at the base of the mountain. Take the right fork to continue up to Nevada Viewpoint. Over the next 0.5 mile fire pits and potential camping spots can be spotted from the trail.

At 1.5 miles the trail crosses a rock outcropping, after which the view from the trail opens as you break out of the trees. As the trail curves to the south, you can see the north face of the canyon and east into Cold Water Canyon with its amphitheater feel. The rocks, trees, and surrounding cliffs become visible for the first time. The trail drops immediately back into tree cover, heading south and then west. The trail crosses a talus field before you hike the final 500 feet to the top.

The trail reaches Nevada Viewpoint lookout and the old log shelter as you top the ridge. A log serves as a bench where you can sit and watch the sunset or ogle the valley and all the mountains to the west. Can you see all the way to Nevada?

To the west the Pilot Range, Newfoundland Mountain, Little Mountain, and Promontory Mountain all stake out their place on the planet. The trail continues hugging the mountain curves as it makes its way to the 22nd Street trailhead, but Nevada Viewpoint is your turnaround point for this hike.

Miles and Directions

0.0Start at the Cold Water Canyon trailhead.

0.4The trail forks; continue straight ahead.

0.5Cross a bridge; pass a fire pit and bench.

0.8The trail forks; stay right.

1.0Pass a campsite.

1.5Cross a rock outcropping.

2.0Reach the Nevada Viewpoint and log shelter. Retrace your route to the trailhead.

4.0Arrive back at the trailhead.

Option

The Indian Trail continues from Nevada Viewpoint past rocky narrow ledges and through more evergreen forest as it winds out of Ogden Canyon and continues south toward the 22nd Street trailhead in Ogden for a 4.3-mile shuttle hike or an 8.6-mile out-and-back. There are some sheer cliffs and interesting geological formations along the route. The 22nd Street trailhead is located at the far east side of 22nd Street in Ogden.

Hike Information

Local events and attractions: Ogden Nature Center, 966 West 12th St., Ogden 84404; (801) 621-7595; www.ogdennaturecenter.org. The nature center is located just off of I-15 and the 12th Street exit in Ogden. You pass it on the way to Cold Water Creek trailhead. Visitors to this 152-acre nature preserve and education center are invited to explore trails, meet birds of prey, spot wildlife, and enjoy the quiet respite of the campus. The nature center is open year-round and offers educational programs for people of all ages.

Organizations: Weber Pathways, PO Box 972, Ogden 84402; (801) 393-2304; www.weberpathways.org; e-mail: wp@weberpathways.org