I’ve hiked Waterfall Canyon in Ogden for years and always just called it the waterfall at the top of Waterfall Canyon. Turns out, it’s also called Malan’s Falls! Who knew?
A Few Trail Details
- Trailhead: 29th Street, Ogden
- Distance: Approximately 2.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: About 1,275 feet
- Best time to hike: Spring for the waterfall, fall for the beautiful changing leaves
A Little Ogden History
People have been hiking to these falls since the 1880s, back when getting there meant navigating thick brush and scrambling over the mountainside. By 1892, local hiking groups were packing picnic lunches, cameras, and even rattlesnake antidote!
And those rusty pipes you can still see along the trail? They’re remnants of Ogden’s early water system. The city once piped water out of this canyon, and a massive flood in 1923 even destroyed a 14-inch pipeline.
As for the name, the Malan family once owned land in these mountains and operated a resort in Malan’s Basin in the 1890s, complete with a hotel and cabins. Another fun connection to Ogden’s past!
Isn’t Ogden Great?
One of the things I love about living and working in Northern Utah is how much there is to explore. Brett and I spend a lot of time hiking and biking these mountains, and even after all these years, we’re still discovering new things about familiar places.
The trails, the history, the views — they’re a big part of what makes living here so special.
Next time you hike Waterfall Canyon, keep an eye out for those old pipes and enjoy a little Ogden history along with the scenery.
What’s your favorite Northern Utah trail or hidden gem? I’d love to hear about it. We’re always looking for somewhere new to explore!
— Juli | Juli & Brett Real Estate