The Sardine Peak Loop is a beautiful hike within 30 minutes of Ogden, Utah that includes scenic mountains, Breeze Arch (Katie’s Arch), views of Pineview Reservoir, and lots of birds singing in the trees. If you go in late May or June you will probably see amazing wildflowers!
Directions
This trail begins at the Maple Trailhead at Snowbasin Ski Resort. There are super nice restrooms with direct access at the lodge. Then drive a minute over to the trailhead. There are a few junctions so it is helpful to have the map downloaded for reference.
You will head along the wide road and soon will go past a little pond.
The wide path continues through a meadow.
The path narrows and weaves through the aspens and ferns.
As you are hiking, please be courteous and share the trail.
There were wildflowers along the way.
Soon you come through to a clearing with amazing views!
Such pretty views!
Here is the detour over to the Ogden Canyon Overlook. This time we just continued along the path up the hill.
The wildflowers just kept getting prettier!
Continue along the trail. We saw some birds circling overhead.
You can look across the canyon and see Breeze Arch along the canyon wall.
The next section goes through the trees again.
When the trees clear you can see an overlook of the Ogden valley!
Here are the side views.
To go to Breeze Arch (also called Katie’s Arch and Hidden Rock Arch) walk just to the base of the little overlook (20 feet) and you will see a path that heads down around the side of the hill. When looking at the overlook it is to your left.
This trail is kind of steep with loose gravel, so walk carefully. These pictures are showing similar parts of the trail from above and from below.
The trail hugs the mountain and soon you will come down to Breeze Arch!
There is a drop off to the left side, but you can safely get pictures by the arch.
Return to the main trail and then continue. Sardine Peak has a lot of dense pines at the top, so you can’t really see views from the top. If you want to bag this peak you have to kind of route find from near here. We just continued on the main trail.
The trail has a couple splits, but stay straight and you will soon come views of Pineview Reservoir!
Then you re-enter the trees.
We saw a Ruffled Grouse ahead of us on the trail. A few minutes later we saw a Western Tanager, which are such beautiful birds!
The trail winds back and forth down through the trees. It’s lovely and nice and shaded.
Eventually you pass another meadow.
Eventually you will be able to rejoin your starting point near the little pond.
Stats: Distance – 8.0-8.6 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 3-5 hours
Elevation gain – 1,528 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Snowbasin Lodge
Seasons to hike – May -October (Can use microspikes in winter)
Permits needed – None
