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SNOWBASIN RESORT — The Ogden Overlook Trail is growing in popularity among mountain bikers because it is easy enough for beginners, and offers some of the best views from the top compared to the other Ogden-area trails.
The trailhead is located at the Snowbasin Resort, but no admission fees are required to ride or hike it. The trail begins at the northwest corner of the lower overflow parking lot and then leads north off of the resort boundaries.
A double-track trail heads downhill at first for about half a mile before it begins climbing again. Immediately where the climb begins, there is a small stream on the left — it is the last water near the trail. Keep straight on the trail, passing the single-track fork on the right that leads down along Wheeler Creek.
At the top of the double-track climb is a nice meadow with occasional wildlife and the double-track will serpentine through the meadow. Alternatively, you can also ride the single-track trail because both will lead to the same far end of the meadow. At .8 miles, bikers will reach a hump near the picnic tables and then the single-track climb through the trees begins.
The gradual single-track climb continues for another 1.3 miles, with the Snowbasin Resort visible to the south. Bikers will then arrive at the fork on the ridge where you have gorgeous views to the east and south towards Trappers Loop.
The right or northernmost fork of the trail at this point leads to Sardine Peak and offers an alternate way back down to the trailhead through some dense trees. Moose and mountain lion sightings are not rare along that section of the trail so bikers should be cautious and alert.
The left or west fork of the trail leads to an amazing overlook of Ogden, properly named the Ogden Overlook. Continue up this fork of the trail for .6 miles to reach the top. A bench is available and provides a great opportunity to sit down and enjoy the panoramic views. Bikers will be able to see the western parts of Ogden Canyon, with views straight down 12th street to the Great Salt Lake, with Mount Ogden immediately to the south.
This is a rewarding view for a comparatively short ride that doesn't have a lot of elevation gain, thanks to the high starting point at Snowbasin Resort.
On the way back down the trail, at the fork, travel up the Sardine Peak trail about 200 yards for another panoramic view of the area, and a colorful array of wildflowers that can be seen in the late spring and summer. You can choose to continue on to the Sardine Peak trail, but if this is your first time in the area you may want to ride down the same trail you ascended.
While coming back downhill, keep in mind that mountain bikers should yield to all others, including hikers and horseback riders, as both are common on this trail. Please be courteous and do not stir up dust while passing.
Once bikers return back to the double-track trail below the meadow, it is the lowest point on the trail, and you'll have a gentle half-mile climb up the dirt track to return back to the lower parking lot.
Distance: 2.6 miles miles one way from trailhead to overlook
Time: About an hour to the overlook
What is your favorite local mountain biking trail? Let us know in the comments.
Justin McFarland is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys mountain biking, wake surfing and aerial photography. Find him on Facebook or on Twitter at @justinmcfarland.
