Waterfall Canyon is especially impressive in winter when it freezes! It is 200 feet high and a great reward for the effort.
There are multiple trailheads, but all of them are moderately easy for the beginning and then a more difficult, steep scramble at the end. Our favorite place to begin is the 29th street trailhead not too far from Weber State University.
From the trailhead, head towards the mountain along the left trail. The first part of this trail follows the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and is easy enough for toddlers. It is partially shaded. In the winter, be sure to wear micro-spikes for traction. I thought my spikes would pick up the mud and packed snow, so I wore another style.
There are a couple trail split options, but you will want to keep heading mostly straight on the southeast path as it heads around the closer foothill and then straight back to the waterfall.
As you go, you get views of Ogden down below.
I zoomed in a bit to see the Ogden Temple.
This one is looking north.
The first half of the trail is easy: a smooth path with only a gradual incline. When you are about halfway you will cross a bridge and then see a green sign with dumpsters behind it. At this point, head left. Remember this spot so you can remember to turn right here on your way back. Soon there is another bridge.
The second half gets rocky and has double the steepness.
During the early summer there is often water trickling down the rocks on the trail. This time of year it is mostly frozen, but keep an eye where you step since there is still some water. I loved the little icicles. The creek is also running to the side.
It looks different when it’s green or when it’s snowy. The last 1/4 mile is very steep and requires some scrambling over rocks. It’s short, and the reward is worth it, but it is a bit of a challenge, especially for young children. There is one more little stream crossing and then you can start to see the falls through the trees.
As you come up into the clearing there is one large tree. I believe it is a blue elderberry. I love the clumps of blue berries contrasting the white snow and ice!
The waterfall is magnificent in every season, but especially frozen!
There is a beautiful view of the Ogden Valley from the waterfall.
The cliffs around are impressive! They remind me of the ones in Rock Canyon.
Here are more shots of the frozen waterfall!
For details about this hike and to see it in other seasons, check out this post.
