Do you have that one trail that you’ve hiked over and over again without getting tired of it? Well, that is how we feel about each of these 5 Ogden Kid-Friendly Hikes in Utah.
Without a doubt, these are our go-to’s when it comes to hiking with our toddler.
Since we really value teaching her independence on the trail, we needed to not only find trails that would keep her entertained BUT would challenge her just enough. If that wasn’t enough reason, let us give you one more!
Each of these is easy to quickly pack for and knock out on a weekday afternoon after work when the mountains are calling.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FINDING KID-FRIENDLY HIKES WHEN BEGINNING TO HIKE WITH YOUR CHILDREN
Hiking with kids, especially toddlers, is quite a different experience than hiking one of your bucket list peaks with your friends.
I mean, IYKYK.
And, if you are searching this blog out, then you KNOW.
QUESTIONS WE ASK OURSELVES WHEN SEARCHING FOR KID-FRIENDLY HIKES:
01. HOW ESTABLISHED IS THE TRAIL?
02. HOW STEEP IS IT (ELEVATION GAIN)?
03. IS IT FAIRLY ACCESSIBLE?
04. ARE THERE KNOWN HAZARDS?
05. IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, HOW QUICKLY COULD WE GET HELP?
We have found that our definition of “kid-friendly” trails involves these questions because you can never anticipate how your child will react on the hike.
It seriously differs from hike to hike, and you HAVE to keep that in mind and plan accordingly to their ever-changing needs.
HELPING YOU DETERMINE YOUR TRAIL
Bushwacking an overgrown trail is difficult for adults, children will have an even worse time. These trails are wide and established. As adults, we understand how to manage different and difficult terrain, but kids are still learning how to use their bodies to navigate obstacles.
The trails you are taking your kids on should stay moderately flat and shouldn’t contain major hazards… AT LEAST UNTIL THEY ARE A LITTLE BIT MORE EXPERIENCED.
When we are wanting our child to hike the whole trail on their own, we choose easier trails like these ones so that they can focus on their time spent in nature and building lasting memories in the mountains rather than constantly being stuck needing to ask for help and getting frustrated.
There is a fine line between encouraging them to test their abilities and pushing them to the point of losing their confidence in themselves.
So, CHOOSE YOUR HIKES WISELY.
UTAH-BASED ADVENTURE FAMILY’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TOP FIVE KID-FRIENDLY HIKES IN OGDEN, UTAH
The following hikes have been rated from easiest (1) to hardest (5).
ONE | WHEELER CREEK TRAIL
Length: 2.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 563 ft
Route Type: Point to Point
Completion Time: 1-2 hrs (w/o a child)
Alltrails links this trail to Icebox canyon which makes it twice as long and is what this map is showing, however, the stats I gave are from parking lot to parking lot without Icebox canyon.
This trail is one of the best Ogden Kid-Friendly Hikes for kids. We do it several times a year in every season.
There is a reason why we are ranking it number one!
You can actually access this trail from two points: the top or the bottom.
The BOTTOM:
As you are coming out of the east end of Ogden Canyon (towards Eden, UT), there is a pull-off point (on your right) right before you hit Pineview Dam.
The TOP:
This starting point can be found at the end of Old Snowbasin Road at the Art Nord Trailhead.
The trail itself is wide and pretty packed. If it was allowed, you could most definitely drive a truck on it. It never becomes noticeably steep, the entire trail is a slightly uphill walk. Although no one loves “uphill” you can barely even notice it.
It takes you through Wheeler Canyon which is full of trees, has a creek running through it, and steep cliffs rising up on either side. This means it has plenty of shade (for the most part) no matter when you do it. There are plenty of spots to stop and throw rocks in the creek, which is what our daughter loves to do.
There is also a man-made tunnel for the creek to run under the trail. We usually climb down and explore this tunnel when the water isn’t high.
Our favorite part of this trail is that we don’t feel like we are “missing out” on views if our two-year-old decides that it is time to be done with the hike before reaching the end. It truly is beautiful the entire way.
We do think it is important to add that this is also a popular mountain biking trail so be aware when bikers are approaching. Also, it is known for having rattlesnakes in the hotter months so PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS.
TWO | DISCOVERY LOOP TRAIL
Length: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 151 feet
Route Type: Loop
Completion Time: 28 minutes (average w/o a child)
This trail is located right above Weber State University.
It was originally developed for educational purposes for WSU students. However, it is open to the public which makes it one of the best Ogden Kid-Friendly Hikes.
It is well-established and popular.
There are some switchbacks and a few steeper sections.
If your child isn’t quite able to navigate the incline on their own, you may need to help them just a bit.
But, even with the steep bits in mind, we still consider it a kid-friendly hike because of how open the trail is. This gives kids the ability to wobble around without being put in any immediate danger.
We will say that if you are looking for a shady trail, this one probably isn’t it.
There are some sections with shade but it is in the sun for most of it. So, be prepared with water and sunscreen when hiking in the summer.
This trail has some signs along the way pointing out environmental or geological facts about Utah provided by Weber State University. It also connects to other trails if you are feeling adventurous and want to see more of Utah’s beauty.
The top of the loop provides a wide-open view of Ogden and the rest of the valley below.
We have encountered mountain bikers and rattlesnakes on this trail so be aware.
THREE | BIRDSONG TRAIL
Length: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 377 feet
Route Type: Loop
Completion Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes (average w/o a child)
This trail starts in the back parking lot of Rainbow Gardens near the mouth of Ogden Canyon.
There are sections with a lot of shade and sections with no shade so be prepared for the sun in the summer months.
This is a great, easy trail that includes some unique experiences.
About one mile in, right off of the trail, there are two old abandoned vehicles.
Our daughter loves searching for them!
We aren’t sure how long they’ve been there or what the story is… If you know anything about them, make sure to send us a message or leave a comment. It is probably nothing too exciting, but we are so interested!
This trail is popular for mountain bikers so be cautious of them.
FOUR | GREEN POND TRAIL
Length: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 380 feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Completion Time: 1 hr and 13 minutes (average w/o a child)
Out of all of the trails in the Ogden Kid-Friendly Hikes in the area, this is probably our most hiked one!
This trail starts at the Green Pond Trailhead on the road to Snowbasin Ski Resort. It offers plenty of shade so it is one of our favorites in the hotter summer months.
The trail eases through the forest never becoming steep.
About halfway up there is a marked turnoff (labeled picnic area) that takes you 100 feet off the main trail to see Green Pond. It is a cool mountain pond that has been rumored to be visited often by the moose that live around Snowbasin.
Although we have yet to see any, there is plenty of talk from fellow hikers that also enjoy this trail often.
We also utilize this trail with our snowshoes ALL winter, so it is a year-round favorite.
FIVE | North Fork Park Trail
Length: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 367 feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Completion Time: 47 minutes (average w/o a child)
WATERFALL ALERT!!
This trail is a favorite because it ends with (depending on Utah’s snowpack and how late in the season you go) a massive and beautiful waterfall!
It is located in North Fork Park, A multi-recreational nature park that is full of trails and campsites. Side note: North Fork is also our favorite place to camp and we ALWAYS allot time to hike this trail during our stay — EVERY TIME.
To get to the trailhead, enter the park at the middle gate entrance and follow the signs for “Coldwater Canyon” until the road ends with a small parking lot. You are going to feel like you are lost, but we promise… JUST KEEP GOING.
This trail was recently redone by the trail crew which made it more established, less overgrown, and less steep. Perfect for our little ones. Before these updates, this trail wouldn’t have come close to making this kid-friendly list, because it was truly anything BUT that.
However, the crew did a great job fixing it up!
Our favorite part (besides the waterfall) is that it is shaded almost the entire way and depending on the season, has lots of blooming elderberry bushes.
DISCLAIMER: The trail contains some switchbacks and is not very steep. That is, until the final 50 feet when you downclimb to get the best view of the waterfall. There is a section with a rope to help you lower yourself down and get back up when you leave. This section is not necessary to view the waterfall. Even in late Fall when the waterfall is at its lowest we really enjoy this hike.
There are few things that are better than adventuring with your kid(s)!
If you try out any of these Ogden Kid-Friendly Hikes in Utah, let us know about your experiences with them! We love them, and we hope that you love them too!
Catch ya on the trails!
Remember to LEAVE NO TRACE.
xx, Chasing Clarks
MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ALONG FOR MORE TIPS + TRICKS + INSPIRATION
FOR ADVENTURING WITH YOUR CHILDREN!
Great article and very helpful tips for finding kid-friendly hikes! It’s important to consider safety and accessibility when hiking with children, and these trails in Ogden, Utah seem like great options. Thanks for sharing your experiences and recommendations.
Thank you