Ogden Valley
A cozy mountain town and a vibrant city all rolled into one.
Tucked below the foothills of the northern Wasatch Mountains, Ogden ain’t your grandpa’s ski town. Although it might be your great-great-great grandpa’s ski town — Ogden was actually the first European settlement in Utah! That early sense of pride and individuality must have sunk into the soil, because today Ogden remains one of the most unique cities in the state.
With epic hiking, mountain biking, fishing and (of course) skiing right out its front door, Ogden has rightly earned a name for itself as an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. But there’s way more to this town than what’s outside its borders. Come learn about its history, enjoy its vibrant art and performance scene and visit the charming restaurants peppered throughout the town. Urbanites and outdoor folk alike will find something to love in this funky mountain town.
Things To Do in Ogden
Skiing
Visitors to Salt Lake’s ski resorts often lament the lack of a true “ski town” in the area, sometimes lodging as far away as Park City to replicate the experience. Poor them. If only there was a town in Utah that had three world class resorts within a 40 minute’s drive and a bustling but cozy main street where they could aprés the night away. Too bad that place doesn’t exist. Oh wait …
Hiking
Hike to Ben Lomond Peak and you’ll be hiking up the mountain that inspired the world famous Paramount Pictures logo. How many towns let you hike to a movie studio logo? Not many, and safari guides really hate it when you try to pet the MGM logo. From the exhausting to the easygoing, Ogden’s got trails for everyone.
Ogden Canyon Scenic Drive
Ordinarily it would sound like a knock on a town if you said one of the best things you could do was get in a car and drive away. Well, this isn’t a Bruce Springsteen song and Ogden Canyon certainly ain’t New jersey. Take in the imposing peaks, rolling hills and lush forests as you travel State Route 39, and top it all off with a trip to Pineview Reservoir.
Ogden Marathon
Run (through the) forest, run! If you liked the drive back down Ogden Canyon so much you’d like to run it instead, you can! The Ogden Marathon, which takes place each May, is one of the most scenic races in the country, and one of the Boston Marathon’s fastest qualifying races to boot. It’s a great place to set your sights on a Personal Best.
Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo
Yeehaw! Ranked as one of the top 5 PRCA rodeos in the nation, the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo is a rip roarin’ good time. The rodeo takes place toward the tail end of the three-week Ogden Pioneer Days festival, and draws almost 50,000 visitors per year! The rodeo includes bronc riding, barrel racing, roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, hooting and hollering. For more Western fun, check out the horseback races and competitions going year-round at the Golden Spike Events Center.
Ogden Twilight Concert Series
Think all the big name bands hop off I-15 in Salt Lake? Think again! Ogden’s Twilight concert series is an underrated triumph, regularly sporting a lineup that’ll make you say “How did they get them?” as you immediately begin to fumble for your wallet. Held at the Ogden Amphitheater from August to October, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy an outdoor show in the state.
