Waterfall Canyon Trail

The primary access point for the Waterfall Canyon Trail is the 29th Street Trailhead in Ogden. Parking is available at this trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on busy spring and summer weekends.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly, and dogs are permitted off-leash. Please ensure your dog is well-behaved and under voice control, especially given the trail's popularity.

The trail is accessible year-round, but conditions vary significantly. Spring and summer offer lush scenery and a roaring waterfall, though weekends can be crowded. Fall provides beautiful foliage. In winter, the waterfall freezes into a stunning ice formation, but the trail can become icy and dangerous, requiring appropriate footwear like microspikes.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Waterfall Canyon Trail. It is located within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which generally does not charge for day-use access to trails.

The initial half-mile, often shared with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, is wide with a gradual incline. However, once you enter the canyon, the terrain becomes significantly steeper and rockier. Expect numerous rocks and boulders, with the final quarter to three-quarters of a mile being particularly challenging due to loose gravel, dirt on rocks, and very steep sections. It can be slippery, especially on the descent.

The main attraction is the spectacular 200-foot Waterfall at the canyon's upper end. As you ascend, you'll also enjoy beautiful views of Ogden below. The canyon itself features dense woodland and scenic vistas, transforming into a 'crenellated curtain of white ice' in winter.

Yes, the route frequently intersects with sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, particularly in its lower portions. You may also encounter segments of the Taylor Canyon Trail and Gib's Loop Trail, offering opportunities to extend your hike.

While listed for jogging, the Waterfall Canyon Trail is generally considered more suitable for strenuous hiking due to its challenging terrain. The initial half-mile might be suitable for light jogging, but the trail quickly becomes very steep and rocky, requiring scrambling in many sections. It's not ideal for traditional running, especially the upper parts.

The Komoot tour data suggests an average duration of approximately 45 minutes for the one-way ascent, making the round trip around 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, due to its strenuous nature and significant elevation gain, many hikers, especially those taking breaks or enjoying the scenery, may take longer.

To avoid the busiest times and secure parking, aim to start your hike early in the morning, especially on spring and summer weekends. The trail is very popular, and crowds can detract from the experience. Also, be aware that climbing the cliffs around the waterfall is illegal and highly discouraged due to extreme danger.

Given the trail's steep and rocky nature, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are highly recommended to prevent sprains. Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days, as there is no water available on the trail. Depending on the season, consider layers of clothing, sun protection, and microspikes for icy winter conditions.