Are you looking for a fun, scenic, and exhilarating motorcycle ride near Ogden, Utah? Look no further than the Ogden River Scenic Byway in Utah. Hop on your motorcycle and explore Ogden Canyon’s steep winding roads, enchanting forests, breathtaking waterfalls, rushing rivers, quaint towns, and high-altitude summits.
Part of what makes the Ogden River Scenic Byway so special are all the stops you can make along the way. Read on to learn how to make the most of your road trip.
Ogden River Scenic Byway Details
The Ogden River Scenic drive is 30 miles long, with an option to continue for another 30 miles into the Bear River Valley region. The ride begins in Ogden in north-central Utah and travels east, ending in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. You can experience most of the scenic ride year-round, though the Monte-Cristo Summit portion closes during the winter between December and April, depending on conditions.
Here are some key details to help you plan your trip:
- Starting coordinates: 41.244323, -111.969962 (central Ogden)
- Ending coordinates: 41.463791, -111.497591 (the Monte Cristo Campground)
- Route numbers and names: Ogden River Scenic Byway, Highway 39
- Lodging: Stop at any of the 12 campgrounds located in national forests
- Services: Stop for gas, food, and camping along the route
- Vehicle access: Paved and suitable for motorcycles
You should expect heavier traffic during the summer and winter months (ski season). We recommend making this trip during the fall to enjoy the rich colors of the foliage and take advantage of the open roads before the icy weather hits.
Planning Your Road Trip
The Ogden River Scenic Byway in Utah offers everything from a 9,000-foot elevation summit to mountainous meadows and complex canyon scenery to exciting attractions and pit stops at tasty restaurants.
Railroad Heritage
Before beginning your journey, you should explore what downtown Ogden has to offer. As one of few Utah communities founded by pre-Mormon pioneers, Ogden offers rich historical treasures, like the Utah State Railroad Museum, Ogden Natural History Museum, and Browning Firearms Museum.
The old Union Station houses each of these historically-rich experiences. After soaking in the exhibits, you can begin the drive on 12th Street and continue east on Highway 39. After a short three miles, you will enter the spectacular mountain wilderness.
Trappers Loop Scenic Byway
Once you reach mile 10, take the Snowbasin turnoff. After about half a mile, turn right onto Highway 167 Trappers Loop Scenic Highway to extend your drive. The brief side trip, taking about 45 minutes round-trip, offers excellent views of the Wasatch Front.
From the Trappers Loop Scenic Highway, you can make your way to many other wonderful Utah locations or retrace your steps back to finish the Ogden River Scenic Byway.
Huntsville Food and Attractions
A road trip isn’t complete without excursions and good eats. Don’t miss the Shooting Star Saloon in Huntsville, where you can enjoy world-famous burgers, beer, and conversations with other motorcycle enthusiasts.
Just east of the Huntsville National Forest campgrounds, you’ll find the Causey Reservoir and a quaint park where you can swim and relax. After a 23-mile climb from Huntsville, you’ll reach the canyon drive’s summit. Here, you can soak in the views before starting your descent.
Drive Safe with Law Tigers on Your Side
At Law Tigers, a nationwide network of motorcycle attorneys, we’re just as passionate about bikes as you. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, call Law Tigers today at 1 (888) 863-7216 for a free case evaluation with a motorcycle accident lawyer near you.
