Hiking the family-friendly trail to Lower Boulder Field near Ogden

Hiking the family-friendly trail to Lower Boulder Field near Ogden

(Arianne Brown)


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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Located just above one of, if not the most pristinely maintained high school soccer fields this side of the continental divide (St. Joseph Catholic High School), is a fun little hike for the family, complete with boulders.

The lower portion of Boulder Field in Ogden may be a place for the elites to get in some practice on its many boulders ranging from V1-V4 bouldering routes. However, it is also a great place for the little kids to walk around and for the bigger, more experienced kids to attempt to climb — with adult supervision, of course.

The trailhead to this hike is located just above St. Joseph Catholic High School at the end of 27th Street. There is limited parking, however, and signs clearly ask that you not park near the gate. This means that you may need to park a little farther down the street and walk the extra strides to the top.

Once at the gate, you will be met with a nice sticker that reminds both hikers and bikers to be kind and wave to each other. This sticker not only serves as a lesson to be kind, but as a reminder that this trail is a busy one because the trails to the boulders intersect with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail that is popular for mountain bikers, hikers and runners alike. This means that you need to be aware and make sure you look both ways before crossing the trail.

Photo credit: Arianne Brown
Photo credit: Arianne Brown

All that said, the first portion of your hike will take you up a wide road that will eventually lead to the trailhead marked for the Bonneville Shoreline and Lower Boulder Fields. Follow the arrow pointing you in the direction of Lower Boulder Field.

Unlike the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, the trail leading to the fields is a bit more primitive, meaning that it is not nearly as carved out and will require more focus to remain on the trail so you don't end up in the many bordering plants and rocks.

Along the way, you will encounter a series of boulders including one called the Arrowhead, named for, well, the fact that it looks like an arrowhead. As mentioned above, this and the many other boulders look fun to climb, but unless your kids are experienced in the art of bouldering, it might be wise to discourage them from climbing. Instead, make like Donkey on "Shrek" and look at each magnificent boulder as you repeat the words, “I like that Boulder. That’s a nice boulder.”

Even without the excitement of scaling large boulders, this hike is quite scenic with mountain views above and city views below. Plus, the assortment of wildflowers and plants that surround you from start to finish are next to none and the boulders that dot the landscape do so in the most awesome of ways.

As far as the distance goes, you can really choose how far you want to go up before turning back around. As always, stay on the marked trail to stay safe and prevent erosion.


![Arianne Brown](http://img.ksl.com/slc/2505/250517/25051768\.jpg?filter=ksl/65x65)
About the Author: Arianne Brown \-------------------------------

Arianne Brown is a mother of seven young children and is a Salomon at City Creek, Nuun and Unshoes sponsored athlete. For more writings by her, search "A Mother's Write" on Facebook or Twitter @A_Mothers_Write

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