Ogden’s Hidden Valley Path: A strenuous however rewarding hike

OGDEN — The train and bodily advantages of mountaineering are sometimes heralded by those that take to the path. Nevertheless, the advantages of mountaineering transcend its bodily features. Mountaineering may be each mentally and emotionally rewarding, too. Mountaineering gives alternatives to see, hear and really feel.

The Hidden Valley Path gives hikers with nice views of Ogden and the encompassing valley. The lookout over Hidden Valley offers hikers a unique view of Allen Peak and Mount Ogden than may be seen from the Ogden space valley flooring. It’s a view effectively definitely worth the hike to get there.

Hidden Valley Path is a 4.9-mile, out-and-back path that branches off of Indian Path and is accessed from the twenty second Avenue trailhead in Ogden. There isn’t a signal or marker designating the place Hidden Valley Path branches off, however simply over a ½ mile up Indian Path and off to the proper, a pure set of rock steps is the place you will discover the trailhead.

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It begins heading south, off Indian Path, alongside the foothills and thru sage brush and stubby maple timber. Throughout the first mile, hikers encounter a few switchbacks and areas the place the path will get fairly steep. The elevation achieve of this path is 2,001 toes in roughly 2.5 miles to the Hidden Valley overlook.

Hidden Valley Path is taken into account reasonable for these in good to nice mountaineering form and but, difficult and strenuous for anybody simply stepping into form.

There are two locations alongside the path with nice views to the west, each are rock outcroppings. Somewhat over a ½ mile in is the primary outcropping. It’s a good place to take a brief break earlier than transferring on to the following outcropping, which is roughly one other ½ mile. Hikers can take within the views, catch their breath, snack and hydrate from these overlooks.

From the second overlook, the path begins in a southeast path, finally heading east after which turning southeast, once more. Up up to now, a lot of the path has been by way of the open foothills. Within the east-southeast, the path finally enters a forested space with extra shade out there. This part — roughly 1.5 miles to the Hidden Valley overlook — continues to be uphill however doesn’t have the steep incline of the primary mile of the path. This can be a good respite for the guts and lungs.

Because the path ranges out barely, hikers will get their first glimpse of Allen Peak and Mount Ogden by way of openings within the timber. The tip of the path is marked with a big rock cairn.

From right here, hikers can look out over Hidden Valley and as much as superior views of the 2 peaks. Within the spring and early summer time, the peaks are superbly dressed with remaining winter snow. In late summer time and fall, the peaks are barren and hikers can see the rugged, uncovered rock. Early morning and night hikers may even see mule deer within the timber; and on aspect hills, mountain goats usually navigate the precarious rocky ledges within the space.

After taking within the views, hikers return to the twenty second Avenue trailhead.

The best way down is less complicated on the lungs — and coronary heart — however hikers must be cautious coming down the steeper areas of the path, which are usually tougher on the knees.