North Taylor Canyon Trail

The stream at the top of the trail

Woodland Stream just
off the Taylor Canyon Trail

Location: Ogden, Utah

Good for: hikers, runners, backpackers, dog walkers, and very skilled bicyclists

Length: In and out 4 miles

Water along trail: stream and sometimes waterfalls along last ¾ mile of trail in canyon.  Shallow, minimal drowning risk.

Difficulty (1-5 scale with 1 being easy, 5 being difficult): 4, few flat areas, some areas very steep, some loose rock and boulders.

Dog Friendliness: minimal traffic, good area to let dogs off leash if they are under control by voice.  Leash laws are not enforced.

The Pond- a fun place for wading

Trailhead: 29^th Street Trailhead.  From I-15 get off on 31st Street.  Go east (towards the mountains).  Turn left onto Washington Blvd.  Turn right onto 30th St.  Drive until there is a building in front of you and the road is a T.  Turn left and then take your next right onto 29th St.  Drive to the end of the street and turn right into the parking lot. You are now at the 29th St Trailhead.

Pros: If you take Taylor Canyon North Trail you pass by The Pond, which is a neat little man made pond- fun for dogs and kids to wade in.  The north side is shaded.  It is a difficult trail, but doesn’t make me feel like I am dying.  Trail is very quiet and has minimal traffic most days. 

Cons: The stream does not run along the whole trail.  It can be difficult when passing as the trail is narrow in some areas.  The lower part of the trail until you get to The Pond is typical Utah foothills scrub oak and sage- not everyone feels it is very scenic.

Mossy waterfall that is near the diversion

The waterfall that is off
Malan Basin Trail above
North Taylor Canyon Trail

Tips: A fun diversion can be found by crossing the stream just after the moss covered boulders on the other side of the stream.  Sometimes there is a waterfall over the boulders.  Also there are light blue rocks or glass in the stream in this area.  Cross the stream and walk up the hill.  At this point going to the right (west) will take you to a primitive camp spot.  If you follow the stream to the left (east), you will find a waterfall and a very steep hike up the hill.  At the top of the hill is the Malan Basin Trail.  Going to the left (east) will loop back to the Taylor Canyon North Trail. Also, if you wanted to camp overnight there are some firepits built and some fairly flat areas.  Pack it in, pack it out please.

How to follow the trail: From the 29th St trailhead walk up the trail towards Waterfall Canyon.  When you reach the flat, wide sandy path go left.  Follow the signs to Taylor Canyon or scenic route to Waterfall Canyon.  You can take either Taylor Canyon North or Taylor Canyon South- they meet up at a bridge.  Personally, I prefer Taylor Canyon North because it is prettier and shadier.  Follow the trail up the canyon.

Top of the waterfall from the Malan Basin Trail