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OGDEN — For impeccable views of Ogden, diverse plant life and an elevation challenge, Indian Trail delivers.
Hikers can experience a bit of human history, too, as the trail follows the prehistoric route Native Americans used to travel up Ogden Canyon to Ogden Valley, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
This point-to-point hike climbs up the Cold Water Canyon Trailhead down to the 22nd Street Trailhead up to Ogden Canyon or vice versa. If you’re starting in the morning, you could start on the exposed 22nd Street Trailhead and hike into the shaded part of the trail as it gets hotter. If you’re starting in the evening heat, however, do yourself a favor and start in Ogden Canyon. Either way, plan on getting a ride from the trailhead, since it’s a long trek back to your starting point.
If you start at the 22nd Street Trailhead, follow the signs and head up the mountain face and up to the ridge of Ogden Canyon. The first 1.5 miles or so are exposed and steep, so bring lots of water and take your time. Once you reach the top of the ridge at about two miles, however, the trail begins to be shaded by Gambel oak.
At this point, use some caution, as there are some areas where rock slides have caused sharp drop-offs along the narrow trail. It’s not a difficult portion of the trail, but should be noted for hikers bringing children along the trail.
The trail passes through Warmwater Canyon and drops down to meet Coldwater Canyon, eventually meeting up with Ogden Canyon, and as you get further into the hike, maple, pine and Juniper trees heavily shade your path. Going into the canyon, the wilderness thickens into a cool oasis where you can spot ferns and wildflowers. In June, you can expect to see a diverse array of flowers, including low penstemon, woodland strawberry and the dainty alum root.
Celeste Tholen Rosenlof
In Coldwater Canyon, hikers can check out the “obscure ruins” of a mining operation. This area also offers spectacular views stretching over Ogden Valley out to the Pilot Range mountains, 118 miles away, if the sky is clear.
As hikers go down into Coldwater Canyon, they may notice primitive camping spots. For those interested in staying overnight, note that sites must be at least 100 feet from the trail, per the USDA.
If you come out this way, you’ll wind through tall grasses alongside a creek to the Coldwater Canyon trailhead. You’ll notice a large kiln, which was used by the CCC to process limestone from the canyon.
Directions: To get to the 22nd Street Trailhead, head just above 22nd Street. There is a kiosk and paved parking lot, but no restrooms. To get to the Coldwater Canyon Trailhead, head up Ogden Canyon 1.4 miles to a parking area just south of the highway. You’ll also notice a Smokey the Bear sign by the trailhead. The trailhead has paved parking and an information kiosk but no toilet.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.25 miles
Time: 2.5-4 hours
Nearby hike:Waterfall Canyon
