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
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