Waterfall Canyon Falls in May 2013

I’m one of those people that enjoys hiking, but at the same time, I don’t enjoy feeling like I’m going to collapse from exhaustion after (or during) hiking. That can make decisions to visit waterfalls difficult. When someone else says a trail is “Strenuous”, is it actually strenuous? Others have indicated that the hike to Waterfall Canyon Falls is strenuous, and that may be true. If I had hiked for some distance before visiting Waterfall Canyon, I might have been more worn out. Instead, at the beginning of the day, this ended up being a rather enjoyable hike.

The trail to Waterfall Canyon Falls (also known as Malan Falls) starts at the edge of Ogden, and is easy to find. There is parking for 20 or so cars. There is one confusing moment where the trail splits in a few directions. If in doubt, head south and head uphill. It will meander along the side of the mountain for a ways, and then it will veer more directly into Waterfall Canyon. The elevation gain is over 1200′ in 1.25 miles. It’s consistently uphill, which means the journey back down is much easier. It is strenuous, but it is by no means the worse I have been on. If you’re prepared, you’ll be fine.

The final stretch to the falls does require some care. I’d describe it as a slippery slope, so take it slowly! (It’s a very short distance along these rocks/slope.) At about 200′ tall, this is one impressive waterfall. It was great to be so up close and personal with this waterfall. It was relatively popular, so you probably won’t be alone. If you’re in Salt Lake City, you should definitely stop and visit Waterfall Canyon Falls.

Directions:

1. From I-15/I-84, exit in Ogden onto UT-79, heading east.
2. Stay on UT-79, which is also known as 30th Street. (There may be a left turn, followed by right turn involved in order to stay on UT-79, but I don’t remember since I used my GPS.)
3. Turn left onto Polk Avenue, and then turn right onto 29th Street.
4. Head to the end of 29th Street and turn right into the parking lot and the start of the trail head to the falls.
5. At the trail head, start along the trail, veer left, then head uphill, finally veering right. Just keep heading uphill while heading southeast.

Accessibility: 3/10 (moderate/strenuous)
Height: 200′
Length of Hike: 2.4 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Waterfall Canyon Falls?