Burch Creek Canyon Trail

First/Only Bridge

The Trail
This moderate trail at least 2 miles long with about a 1400 foot elevation change. It is possible to continue up further than two miles, but we don't know exactly how far up the canyon a pathway exists. The trail follows the creek and crosses it a number of times. Only the first crossing has a bridge; the rest of the crossings require hikers to work their way across on fallen branches or stepping stones. None of these crossings were difficult, but they probably are more challenging during times of high run-off.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

Start of the trail

The trail starts out wide, worn, and easy to follow. However, after the bridge, the trail narrows and becomes more rocky, but it is nothing unusual for the area. The trail continues to be clear and well worn until about 0.8-0.9 mile up the canyon, at which point the path becomes increasingly overgrown. Young children would probably have difficulty getting through some of the tall brush we started seeing around this point. By the time we got two miles up the path, we were finding that the path became sketchy in some spots. The entire trail runs through a forested area, so it is shaded by trees and shrubs. This hike makes for a very pleasant stroll especially with the shady trees and the peaceful babbling of the creek. Unlike some other trails nearby, this one doesn't seem to be very crowded even on popular hiking days, especially the further up you go.

 

Beware that the area this trail is in seems to be inhabited by a lot of rattlesnakes. We saw a few on or right next to the trail. The dense foliage along the trail makes it easy to miss them, so just be cautious. Make sure you know how to avoid being bitten and what steps to take in case of a bite.

One of the rattlesnakes we came across on the trail

This trail is open to livestock, leashed dogs, and bicycles. That doesn't mean that is would necessarily be a good trail for all those things though.

Update - May 2016: We were correct that this trail is less accessible during the spring. We dropped by briefly and found the first bridge was covered with cold water, as shown below.

Directions

This trail is located in Weber County, Utah in Ogden. To get there, from I-15 take Exit 339 for Riverdale Rd. Head east on Riverdale Rd./UT-26 until you reach 40th Street. Turn right onto 40th Street. This road will change to 4200 S/Country Hills Dr. Next, turn right onto Harrison Blvd., and then turn left onto 4600 S. 4600 S. will become Ridgedale Dr. You will first come to the Beus Canyon Trail. Continue on a little further and you will come to a brown gate on the left. This is where the trail starts. There is no parking lot, so you will have to park along the road. Just make sure you don't park in front of the fire hydrant or block someone's driveway.