9 Best Ogden Valley Summer Activities

The Ogden Valley comes alive in the summertime to delight people with all sorts of fun activities. Whether you’re enjoying views of Pineview Reservoir on the North Arm Trail or floating with the clouds in a hot air balloon, you’re sure to have a spectacular time in this beautiful place.

1. Sunday Brunch at ‘Basin
   
   
   
   Each Sunday from June 23 – September 8, Snowbasin Resort hosts a mountain-top brunch with spectacular views and fresh mountain air. Ride the gondola up to Needles Lodge and enjoy some of the most delicious cuisine that Utah has to offer. The chef’s unique creations will be available in both buffet-style and staffed stations including carving, omelet, and crepe stations. The brunch is held from 10 am until 2:30 pm. Reservations are recommended.
   
   
2. Paddleboarding at Causey and Pineview
   
   
   
   Summers get hot, beat the heat by venturing out into Causey or Pineview reservoirs on paddleboards! Causey is a motorless waterway about 15 minutes east on Highway 39 toward Monte Cristo. The beauty of sheer cliffs and calm waters creates the perfect place to practice paddleboard yoga. Pineview is best during the week or early morning before motorboats disrupt the tranquil, green reservoir. Watch out for the rare moose and tons of birds back in the coves. And, if you’re staying with us, we offer free paddleboard rentals (based on availability).
   
   
3. Mountain Biking at the Ski Resorts
   
   
   
   Ski Resorts are good for more than just skiing! Snowbasin’s Overlook Trail is a 4.5 mile out-and-back trail that begins in the lower Maples parking lot at Snowbasin. Link it with the infamous Sardine trail, and voila, the perfect loop. This connects to a series of biking trails between Snowbasin and the Forest Service, so grab the AllTrails app to avoid getting lost (there are 26 miles of connecting trails at Snowbasin). There are stunning views, so be sure to hit the lookout. Snowbasin does rent bikes on site and also offers lift riding on weekends.
   
   Likewise, Powder Mountain’s best trail is the Brim trail loop. With extraordinary views of Ogden Valley, ride up high with brilliant wildflowers and cooler temps. This is a must-do ride for all.  It begins in the upper Powder Mountain parking lot and provides a 6.7-mile loop with mild elevation gain, perfect for beginners (and the kiddos). Hikers are welcome on both of these trails.
   
   
4. Blues, Brews, and BBQs
   
   
   
   Summer at Snowbasin means the coolest concert series, featuring both unique, local talent and internationally touring artists. Concerts are each Sunday and always feature locally brewed beers, award-winning barbeque, and foot-tappin’ rhythms. Bring a blanket or folding chair to sit in when you’re not dancing to some mountain music! Other favorites include the Utah Symphony outside in July and Beer Fest. And remember, if you do partake in the libations, hop on the free shuttle back to our vacation rental properties.
   
   
5. North Arm Trail-Family Friendly Wildlife Hike
   
   
   
   Pineview’s wildlife viewing trail is easy peasy with little elevation gain and epic views. Enjoy single-track hiking or biking amid wildflowers along this 6.5 mile out and back trail. Located along the shore of Pineview, you can spot waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and the rare moose drinking in the wetlands. The area is partially covered in the trees and occasional access to the water if you need to cool off. Park on the north side of Pineview in the designated parking lot or at Windsurfer beach on the south end. Afterward, head to the Mad Moose Café for an ice-cream cone!
   
   
6. Playing at Huntsville Park
   
   
   
   Huntsville Park is the perfect place for picnicking and hanging out in the Wasatch back. The park features volleyball courts, soccer fields, an awesome playground, tennis courts, and disc golf. This Norman Rockwell town is best viewed on cruiser bikes available at Detours across from the park. A full city block and lined with 100+ foot tall pines, it’s perfect to enjoy the fresh mountain air while relaxing under a large pavilion. It’s a great place for family reunions, birthdays, and other outdoor celebrations! Winter also hosts an ice skating rink amidst the trees.
   
   
7. Hot Air Ballooning and the Ogden Valley Balloon Festival
   
   
   
   One of the most unique experiences in the Ogden Valley is viewing the beauty from above. Hot air ballooning is by far the coolest way and can be done either at the Balloon Festival or a private balloon ride. The festival comes to Eden each year for an entire weekend. Each year during the Balloon Fest, the sky fills with radiant colors that soar over Pineview Reservoir, providing spectacular views both from the ground and in the air!
   
   
8. Hike and Bike Wheeler Creek and Icebox
   
   
   
   One of the best spots for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing is at the top of Ogden Canyon just below Pineview Reservoir. It stays cool year-round and follows the creek, so the dogs love it too. This scenic adventure is gradual uphill and perfect for all to hike. While Wheeler Creek is only about 2 miles one way, it connects to Icebox Canyon via Maples Trail and makes a fun 5 mile loop (or more) by adding onto numerous options in the Snowbasin area. This is an absolute favorite area for mountain biking and other activities.
   
   
9. Fishing at Causey and Pineview
   
   
   
   Pineview is a popular fishing spot with warm water and award-winning fish to catch. Tiger muskies are the most renowned of the reservoir, the largest ever caught here is 49 inches long (over 3 feet!). Other catches in Pineview include largemouth bass, perch, crappie, and more. Causey’s calm waters are home to rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. Be sure to catch the salmon spawning each fall as their brilliant red and orange colors fill the creeks above Causey. Ice fishing is available at both reservoirs.