Quail Trail Loop
Ogden Nature Center North Trailhead
Welcome to the trail!
We have long enjoyed this fast, easy, flat little loop that offers a variety of fun terrain including boulders, bridges and shady sections with gnarly trees. It’s probably good to note here that all of the trails you’ll find in these Tyke Hike newsletters also make for really perfect grandparent trails, too. We brought one of our grandpas along on our most recent visit, and I dare say he had as much fun as the kids. Don’t wait to try out the Quail Trail Loop with a tyke (or grandparent) near you!
How to get there
From 12th Street in Ogden, turn north on Harrison Blvd and drive about 2.5 miles till you see a big sign for the Ogden Nature Center North Trailhead on your right. Turn into the lot and park. There are about 15 spots in this parking area, but no restrooms.
Trail at a glance
Total distance: 0.8 miles total round trip (loop)
Elevation gain: 39 feet
Destination: shady loop with views of Ben Lomond Peak, boulders to climb, and bridges to cross
Tyke perks: climbing boulders, shady trees, bridges and boards to balance on, view of Ben Lomond
Notable flora: dyer’s woad, scrub oak, Russian olive, maple, salsify, wild rose, hoary cress
Fascinating fauna: songbirds, squirrels, rabbits, insects, rattlesnakes
Watch out for:
rattlesnakes (we didn’t see it, but another hiker warned us on our last trip that he passed one at the trailhead - they’re definitely around in this area so keep your eyes peeled!)
sun (a lot is shaded, but some parts are sunny, so sunscreen and/or a hat are good to have on hand)
While you’re hiking
Walk under the little archway at the start of the trail and immediately take the left fork by the sign. As you hike, you’ll notice lots of little side trails going off into the trees. Stay on the obvious main trail for most of the hike. At about mile 0.17, there’s a bigger shady alcove off to the right that is a fun side stop for the kids, either now or on your way back (or both). You’ll find a semicircular area with big boulders that are irresistible to the kiddos for crawling and climbing on.
After your side trip, head back to the main trail and in less than 0.10 miles you’ll come to another fork that is the beginning of the loop portion of the trail. We have always started out to the right, but last time we went left and I loved it. Here’s why: if you go left first, you’ll get the Ben Lomond view as you walk through the marshy and meadowy sections ahead. Some years are wetter along this section than others, but there are plenty of railroad ties and bridges to walk across to keep your feet dry.
When you meet another trail coming from the road in about 0.10 miles, you’ll turn right and start heading through the trees. At the next sign turn right again to stay on the Quail Trail Loop and make the curve back toward the start. This is our favorite section of the trail with lots of trees and bridges and cool shade. In about 0.15 miles you’ll be back at the sign where you started the loop. Go around again! Or just retrace your steps back to your car. If you didn’t stop at the rocky alcove on the way in, it really is worth checking out as you pass by again. Stop for a snack and a drink and then you’re on the homestretch. Simple, quick, fun. Practically perfect in every way.
Happy hikers
Annalissa sent in some pics from two hikes (the Middlefork Puddle Loop and the Machinery Trail) she did with her kids and friends.
It seriously makes my day to get these photos, so as always, if you and your tykes loved a hike (and want your pic to show up in the next newlsetter), please let me know! (Just hit reply!) Happy trails!