Malans Peak Trail: A spring favorite for Ogden residents
Contributed by the Trails Foundation of Northern Utah
View from the top of Malans Peak on Sept. 9, 2016 | Deann Armes
As spring settles in along the Wasatch Front, trails above Ogden are seeing increased use. One of the area’s most popular routes, the Malans Peak trail, accessed from the 27th Street Trailhead, offers a steady ~2,000-foot climb and expansive views, making it a go-to destination for hiking and trail running.
At roughly 4.5 miles roundtrip, the trail begins near the East Bench and quickly climbs into the foothills, following a well-defined route toward Malans Peak. Along the way, users encounter a mix of open hillside and shaded sections, with views stretching across Ogden, the Great Salt Lake, and surrounding mountain ranges. The route’s difficulty makes it a good option for a wide range of users.
Malans Peak is part of a broader network of nonmotorized trails connecting Ogden neighborhoods to nearby public lands.
As use increases in the spring and summer, trail etiquette becomes especially important. Staying on designated routes, yielding appropriately to other users, and being mindful of trail conditions all help protect the trail and ensure a good experience for everyone. Residents planning to visit Malans Peak are encouraged to bring adequate water and be prepared for changing conditions as temperatures warm heading into summer.
2026 Peak Challenge
Malans Peak is one of four summits included in the Trails Foundation of Northern Utah (TFNU) Peak Challenge, a self-paced challenge that encourages participants to complete several prominent peaks in the area over the course of a season. Also featured in the challenge are Lewis Peak, Ben Lomond Peak and Mount Ogden, with additional bonus peaks including Frary Peak and Willard Peak.
Starting June 1, the community will have opportunities to get involved with TFNU during National Trails Day Week, which includes events such as volunteer trail work opportunities, a bike repair workshop, the second O-Sho trail race, and a big celebration for National Trails Day happening June 6 at Farmers Market Ogden, including the launch of the 2026 Peak Challenge.
The Trails Foundation of Northern Utah is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to planning, promoting, and maintaining a network of trails and open spaces for nonmotorized users across Northern Utah.