WINTER HIKING AT WATERFALL CANYON
Waterfall Canyon Trail hike is a local favorite but fewer think it's doable in the winter. Here's what you need to know about this 300 foot frozen waterfall cascade.
HIKING/OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Top of Waterfall Canyon Trail. Photo by Magnelia Van Schweinz
Located in the Wasatch Mountain range, part of the greater Rocky Mountain range, Waterfall Canyon trail lies in the more northern part of Utah—our very own Ogden. This scenic trail and frozen wonderland is flanked by two prominent peaks, Malans Peak and Mount Ogden, both contributing to the spectacular waterfall with their snowmelt runoff and springs.
Malans Peak stands directly north of the Waterfall Canyon summit, while Mount Ogden, is positioned to the left of the summit. Other trails are accessible via the same trailhead like Malans Peak and Mount Ogden.
TIPS FOR HIKING WATERFALL CANYON IN WINTER
It is crucial to note that attempting to climb the waterfall itself and connect to Mount Ogden through Waterfall Canyon is strongly discouraged. Over the past 50 years, tragic incidents resulting in fatalities have occurred when individuals attempted this ascent. It may be better to complete the guided Via Ferrata in the summertime.
For those with canine companions, the good news is that dogs are allowed (on lead), however in winter most of the trail is an ice sheet; proceed with caution and microspikes!
If you're considering bringing young children, exercise caution and possibly reconsider, considering that trail conditions may pose challenges for the little ones.
Stand clear of the waterfall itself, as frozen falling ice chunks still occur! Watch your head.
Chunk of ice from frozen waterfall at Waterfall Canyon Trail. Photo by Magnelia Van Schweinz
Best time of day: Late morning and early afternoon. When the waterfall is still in the shade, the icy blue hues won't get covered up by the sun's rays; however without the sun, a cold winter day is so much colder. Direct sun versus shade can vary the temperature differences almost 10-15 degrees.
Best winter month to go: February
Where to park: 29th Street Trailhead
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet+ and some change
Difficulty: Moderate-hard
Distance: 2.4 mile round trip
Dogs Allowed: On lead, yes, however possibly reconsider in the winter.
Name of Waterfall: Malans Waterfall Canyon
Name: Waterfall Canyon
Taking young children: Possibly reconsider in the winter
Navigational assistance: Waterfall Canyon Trail via Ogden Park, Utah - 835 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
WHILE HIKING, CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO IDENTIFY THREE WINTER PLANTS:
Evergreen holly (ilex)
Bergenias (Bergenia cordifolia)
Singleleaf (Pinus monophylla)
For those with a daring spirit, the ice formations created by the waterfall create an opportunity for ice climbing. Climb Malan's Waterfall, Wasatch Range (mountainproject.com)
