7 Day Trips from Ogden to Beat the Heat

GEAR:30 | August 3rd, 2022

You could take a dip in the community pool...or you could enjoy all the beauty that a Utah summer has to offer
(and stay cool while doing it).

Photo: Visit Utah

1. DRIVE THE MIRROR LAKE HIGHWAY

This 42-mile scenic byway along State Route 150 is home to plenty of campgrounds and picnic areas, as well as several lakes, waterfalls, and hikes to stop at. Starting in Kamas and ending at the border of Wyoming, the highway crests high in the Uinta Mountains at 10,715 feet, where it's quite a few degrees cooler than the Ogden valley. Once you arrive at Mirror Lake, there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking. Take a swim, SUP, or canoe out on the lake, but don't pass up the chance to pack a lunch and relax at the water's edge.

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Photo: Snowbasin

2. ENJOY THE VIEWS AT SNOWBASIN

Utah's ski resorts aren't just world-class during the winter— there are plenty of activities to fuel your summer days, too. From 26 miles of lift-served mountain biking and hiking to mini-golf and scenic mountaintop dining, there's a way for everyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery at Snowbasin year-round. 

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Photo: Mountain Project

3. CLIMB IN MAPLE CANYON

Maple Canyon is one of the most unique climbing areas in the state, if not the nation. Sheltered by the shade of the canyon, embedded cobbles result in some fascinating and challenging climbing routes. With more than 550 routes (mostly sport) ranging from 5.4 to 5.14 in difficulty, there's something for everyone here. There's a handful of campgrounds to choose from, too!

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Photo: Visit Ogden

4. TAKE A DIP AT CAUSEY RESERVOIR

The perfect place for swimming and paddling, Causey Reservoir is a serene place to spend a sunny day. Surrounded by trees and towering cliffs, brave visitors frequent this reservoir for cliff jumping in the warmer months. This reservoir restricts motorized boats, so you won't need to worry about battling the wake while you're out on the water. 

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Photo: Weber River Adventures

5. FLOAT THE OGDEN OR WEBER RIVER

Floating the river is one of the most popular ways Ogdenites beat the heat in the sweltering summer months. Make sure to do your research before you go, as certain sections of these rivers can be dangerous for inexperienced paddlers. Make sure to pack out your trash, and if you need an inflatable tube, we'd be happy to rent you one of ours.

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Photo: Reddit

6. TAKE A HIKE UP LOGAN CANYON

The billboards advertising Logan, Utah read, "Always a few degrees cooler." And it's true! Take a day trip up Logan Canyon and you'll find cooler temps and plenty of activities to keep you busy. Some favorite hiking trails include Crimson Trail (shown above), Jardine Juniper and the Wind Caves, and there's plenty of fish to catch along the Logan River. A drive up the canyon to Tony Grove will reward you with even cooler temperatures, more hiking (we love to backpack to White Pine Lake for a short overnighter) and a perfect place to take photographs.

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Photo: stateparks.utah.gov

7. ENJOY BEAR LAKE + A RASPBERRY MILKSHAKE

Who needs Lake Tahoe? Drive far enough up Logan Canyon and you'll find yourself gazing at the bluest water in the state. Make the two-hour trek from Ogden and your day could be full of beaching, boating, and a famous raspberry shake. A little known fact about Bear Lake is that it's actually a scuba diving destination—volcanic rock formations can be seen off Cisco Beach, and so can the Bonneville Cisco fish, which can't be seen anywhere else in the world.

Don't forget to visit us while you're passing through!
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