Malan's Peak and Malan's Basin

The Trail

This difficult trail is 2.4 miles long (one way) with a 2100 foot elevation change to reach the peak. The basin is actually at lower elevation, so if those wishing to continue that far will hike down an extra 0.8 mile after reaching the peak. The trail starts at the end of 27th Street in Ogden. Head up the trails eastward toward the canyon. Although there are multiple trails in this area breaking off in different directions, they seem to connect and lead to the canyon.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

Looking up at the fall colors near the mouth of the canyon

For the first part of this trail, just follow the signs that direct you to the Taylor Canyon Trail. 

This one both says Taylor, but the smaller print
makes it clear to head along the north trail
toward Malan's Basin

Continue up the Taylor Canyon Trail about 0.9 miles from the trail head. At that point, there is a well marked turn off for Malan's Peak to the right heading over a bridge and up the slope. After taking this turn off, the trail will go up a few long switchbacks until you reach the peak.

The trail gradually gets slightly steeper as you go up, but overall the climb is pretty steady. This trail is also pretty well shaded most of the way. Just over one mile up, hikers will hit a nice view point overlooking the valley at the end of the first switchback up the slope. This also makes a nice stopping point for anyone looking for a shorter trail.

 

The slopes and valley from the view point just over 1 mile up the trail.

There are too many trees along most of the switchback to get many good views of the surrounding peaks, but things do open up a bit here and there.

The view from the peak is fantastic. Whether looking toward the valley:

Or looking toward the peaks and slopes:

Looking up toward Mount Ogden

Looking southward from Malan's Peak

Malan's Peak isn't really a true peak, but it's a great point to hike to in a relatively short distance. If you want to go even further, you can continue to Malan's Basin as shown in the maps above. The trail drops down and continues roughly 0.8 miles to this point, where a plaque marks the site of the Malan Heights Resort. This area is a popular place for camping by backpackers as well.

Hikers who continue past the plaque and turn right may find the overgrown trail that took us to the old hotel broiler. This hotel was burned down in a forest fire started by hunters in 1910, and the broiler is all that is left of it.

Those up for an even longer hike could continue up to the top of Ogden Peak from here, but it is a very difficult trail with lots of bushwhacking.

This trail is opened to leashed dogs. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.

Directions

This trail is located in Weber County. To get there, from I-15 take Exit 341 for 31st Street in Ogden. Head east on 31st Street until you reach Washington Blvd. Turn left on Washington, and then take the next right onto 30th Street. Continue to Harrison Blvd. and turn left. Then continue to 27th Street and turn right. Continue until the street dead-ends. This is where the trail starts. There is no parking lot, so you will have to park along the street. Please be respectful to the residents and their properties near the trail head.