Directions: Access: East end of 22nd Street -or- Cold Water
Canyon Trailhead in Ogden Canyon
Trail Information: Elevation: Beginning: 4,600 feet Ending: 4,750 feet
Length: 4.3 miles one-way
Use: Moderate- Hiking
Difficulty: Moderate
East end of 22nd Street Access:
This portion of the Indian Trail starts just above 22nd Street. There is a paved
parking lot and kiosk, but no water or restrooms. Access the road just above the
small storage reservoir and head north toward Ogden canyon (the large canyon
north, on your left). Keep following the maintained dirt trail that climbs
toward the canyon and watch for signs on wooden planks. The trail eventually
narrows as it enters the oak brush on the foothills. It is an easy climb and the
trail is in good shape.
Coldwater Canyon Access:
Drive up Ogden Canyon 1.4 miles to parking area on south side of highway. Just
past the 11 mile marker. The trailhead has adequate parking and an information
kiosk but no water or toilet. There is an interpretation sign describing the
limestone kiln built into the hillside at the trailhead. Coldwater Canyon drains
into the Ogden River from the south. The trail climbs and switchbacks up the
south slope and the most difficult part of the hike. The ascent quickly levels
off and the trail remains flat for the next mile and half.
The trail follows the creek on the east side, but no crossing is required. In
season, there are a wide variety of wildflowers. There are a few primitive
camping sites along the creek, including the remains of a Forest Service
campground and a Civilian Conservation Corp camp. Along the trail are obscure
ruins of an old mining operation. Runners who are in shape will enjoy the rock
stairs, narrow trail and low overhangs found on the trail.
The trail was built using the approximate location of a prehistoric route
developed by native Americans as the primary route up Ogden Canyon to Ogden's
Hole (Ogden Valley). It winds high above the canyon on a steep and sometimes
narrow ridge and passes through Warmwater Canyon before dropping down to meet
Coldwater Canyon. In Coldwater Canyon, the Civilian Conservation Corp of the
1930's had a camp where the men lived while building the rock wall along the
Ogden River. In addition, limestone was brought down Coldwater Canyon Trail to
be smelted at the kiln. Coldwater Canyon had abundant limestone on the face of
the mountain. Stone was blasted off the north face leaving scars legible to this
day. The Coldwater Canyon was also an important source of water for early
settlers. A cement box built at the mouth of the canyon split the major stream
into two streams. One ran south and the other north to irrigate farms on the
east and west of Mountain Road.
There are abundant birds, squirrels and lizards along the trail, not to mention
the occasional rattlesnake. Along the trail are spectacular vistas of Ogden
Canyon and City. You also have a good sampling of plant and animal ecosystems
found locally.
Miscellaneous Information: Season: Spring to fall
USGS Map(s): Ogden
Other Map(s): Ogden Trail Network map of Indian Trail; Ogden Trail Network map
of Ogden Front trails.
FOR MORE TRAILS ADJACENT TO OGDEN, See this GREAT SITE:
http://www.weberpathways.org/index.asp
(Weber Pathways is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to
promote, plan, and preserve a network of non-motorized public pathways and
related open spaces throughout Weber County, Utah. They are a very
excellent trail information source for the foothills east of Ogden.)
Jeff Cundick