The Mount Ogden Exercise Trail has always been one of my favorite places to go for a good run workout. It has many steep inclines that you can push yourself on, along with plenty of downhill allowing for needed recovery. The trail offers a combination of dirt and road asphalt, which gives you a break from navigating all the twists and turns on the first sections.

There are three trailheads you can potentially start from. My personal favorite starts on the East end of 29th St. in Ogden. From Harrison Blvd., head East on 30th St, then left (heading North) onto Tyler Ave. Finally take a right (East) onto 29th St., and drive to the end of the road. You will find the trailhead on the right- hand-side.

Next to the pavilion covering, there is a trail map posted for your reference. Be sure you take the trail with the sign reading “36th Street & Marquardt Park.” The course consists of a 5K loop with roughly the first two thirds on winding trails and the last third on asphalt road/sidewalk pavement, mostly uphill. Other trails in the area include; Taylor Canyon (popular with mountain bikers) and Waterfall Canyon. Keep in mind the Mount Ogden trail goes around a golf course with the same name as the trail. If you wander too far off the trail it can be a bit confusing.

Point-to-point reference:
The first third, consists of mostly an uphill trail section heading south. This section has lots of up and down terrain, a serious uphill section, a small bridge over Waterfall Canyon Creek, a steep hill to an overlook bench, a section with trees, and finally levels off to a second rest bench by a larger bridge over Strong’s Creek.

The second third is mostly downhill to Taylor Blvd. Be careful on this part! There is downhill running in some rocky sections with spaced-out railroad tie steps. You’ll pass the 36th St. trailhead where you head back north. It’s level from
here for a little bit before you hit more
downhill. Eventually you come across a lower section of Strong’s Creek and then Marquardt Park.

The final section begins on Tyler Avewhere you will find some long gradual hills to push yourself on. Head North (right turn out of the trails) and take a right onto 29th heading East. You’ll be on the homestretch. From here on out it’s a straight shot to the trailhead where you started out. This section has a long gradual climb that gives you a great view of the mountains.

Over the years I’ve used this run as benchmark in determining my running condition. When I’m at my best I can run it multiple times without too much difficulty. While others might tire of running laps, I like the fact that I can pull my nutrition from my car at each lap and not lug around a water pack or bottle, and check out my lap times if needed.

Enjoy this great trail!

Mick McKinley
slamkablam@yahoo.com

Popularity: 21% [?]

The old highway to the Saltair marina is one of the best beginner bike routes in the Salt Lake area. However, you will find cyclists of all levels riding this long stretch of barren road. What makes this ride perfect for beginners is that this is a lightly driven stretch of pavement. You will rarely see an automobile on the road, if at all. This is the place to break in your new clip-in pedals or to practice riding a road bike for the first time.

If riding from the start of Apollo Drive to the marina you will find that you have gone just over 11 miles (22 miles round trip).

How to Get There

From Salt Lake take I-80 West to 5600 West (just past the airport). Take an immediate right off of the freeway and a left at the first light. You will then take your first available left (Apollo Drive), which is the beginning of the old highway. Park yourself along side of the road and suit up.

The Ride

The route itself is very flat. You will encounter an easy roller approximately one quarter of a mile into the ride but will remain relatively flat the rest of the way. Yes, there is a spot or two that rises slightly but I refrain from calling them hills or even rollers. The elevation gain is minimal.

There is a stretch of road lasting approximately two and a half miles into the ride that is rough pavement. It’s actually a cement road with plenty of cracks to keep your cycling skills honest. One wrong move and you’re stuck in a rut and on the ground. This stretch is nearly one and a half miles long.

The only serious challenge you may face is the winds. The route is prone to headwinds coming from all directions. The road is in a wide open area with no protection. Pacing yourself is critical if you’re not experienced in the winds. If you are facing headwinds going out, be careful, you may face the headwind going back. A bonk is on the menu if your not nutritionally prepared. Yes, I would like a meteorological explanation of this occurrence but, whether you like it or not, it’s something you may deal with.Some riders enjoy riding to the Saltair concert hall and heading back, cutting the marina ride short by approximately two miles. The trip to the marina does have its perks with pleasant bathroom facilities and a water fountain to refill your bottles. There is even a soda machine for the cyclist in serious calorie deficit. The area also has a nice look-out point where you can overlook the Great Salt Lake.

There are several ways to extend the ride, most notably riding through the International Center and through the airport walking/cycling path.

This is a perfect for any level of cyclist.

Popularity: 19% [?]