Beus Canyon Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail begins with a moderate two-mile hike which changes into a steep, difficult climb from the foothills east of Ogden to the ridge south of Mount Ogden.

The trail leaves the parking lot towards the mountain. This lower part of the trail climbs to the mouth of Beus Canyon where it intersects with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail going north to Weber State University. The trail continues along Beus Creek until it reaches a small meadow where the canyon forks. This meadow is locally known as Fern Valley for obvious reasons.

The trail continues on the south fork of the stream until it begins the steep climb to the ridge between Beus Canyon and Birch Canyon to the south. It stays in the dry, hot oak brush hillsides until it reaches timberline.

Then the trail goes north into the head of Beus Creek. Piles of rock, commonly called rock cairns, mark a route to the saddle south of Mount Ogden with its prominent radio tower. At this saddle you can follow the summer access road into Snowbasin Resort Area.
If you enjoy spectacular views, this is the hike for you.

The area has outstanding geologic formations and a bounty of wildflowers throughout the spring and summer season. The trail is near the head of both Malans Basin and Taylor Canyon when it reaches Mount Ogden. Taylor Canyon is the first canyon south of Ogden Canyon so named for John Taylor who built a lime kiln at its mouth. The lower portion of both canyons is privately owned as well as very difficult terrain and we don't recommend you enter either of these canyons.