Ogden City Seeks Public Input on Proposed Trail Alignment at Mount Ogden Golf Course

Ogden City is inviting residents to provide feedback on a proposed trail alignment through Mount Ogden Golf Course, following months of community discussion about trail access and golf course safety.

In April, and in the midst of surging popularity in both golf course use and trail use, Ogden City reinforced the closure of Mount Ogden Golf Course to runners, walkers, and riders due to increasing safety concerns and conflicts between golfers and trail users. The closure applied to the entire course and included blocking a number of frequently used pathways that had developed over time and created unsafe crossings through numerous active golf areas. Since that time trail users have been directed to the Gibbs Loop Trail, which was originally designed to provide safe recreational access around the course.

The closure sparked strong reactions from within the trail community, while city leaders have remained committed to listening to input and working collaboratively with user groups to find safe and balanced solutions.

"Ogden is an outdoor recreation city at heart," said Mayor Ben Nadolski. "People recreate in many different ways, and our responsibility is to provide as much access and opportunity as possible while ensuring that every user has a safe, high-quality experience. We've worked with community partners to identify a potential compromise, and now we're inviting the public to help us evaluate whether this option achieves the right balance."

Since the spring closure, the City has consulted with the golf community and trail advocates to study whether a safe, limited alignment could exist within the course. Based on that input, the city has identified a potential route that:

• Creates a convenient and direct connection between upper and lower trail systems.
• Avoids dangerous conflicts with golfers by staying out of active play areas.
• Maintains as flat a grade as possible, allowing people of all ages to use it.
• Prioritizes walkers, hikers, and joggers.
• Reinforces that trespass off the trail and into golf course areas will remain prohibited.

The City is launching a survey to gather public input on the proposed alignment. Community feedback will help determine whether the option provides the right balance between safety, access, and user experience.

Residents can take the survey at www.ogdencity.gov/trailsurvey

What is the ultimate goal of this process?

Our goal is to create as much access and opportunity as possible for as many people as possible - while ensuring a safe, high-quality experience for all users. The question we want to answer together is: does this proposed alignment help achieve that balance?

Is one outdoor recreation use being prioritized over another?

No. We respect all outdoor recreation uses and users. We also know that all uses can't occur in all places and at all times. Thoughtful, deliberate planning and management of recreation uses and amenities is critical to maximizing safe, high-quality outdoor experiences. We also believe that a golf course should generally be used for golfing, and trails should be used for trail activities. Where both occur in the same area, overlap should be limited, carefully managed, and minimized to the extent possible so that it does not create safety issues or diminish the quality of experiences for any user group.

Why would we want to accommodate more users? Aren't our trails already busy enough?

Yes, we want to continue to accommodate more users. Outdoor recreation is more than just activity - it is therapy. It improves physical health, reduces stress, supports mental well-being, and helps people build connections with others. Trails are where people exercise, heal, find balance, and build community. Expanding opportunities allows more people to share in those benefits, which strengthens Ogden's quality of life.

Why did the City reinforce the closure of the golf course earlier this year?

In April, in the midst of surging popularity in both golf and trail use, the City reinforced the closure of Mount Ogden Golf Course to runners, walkers, and riders due to increasing safety concerns and conflicts between golfers and trail users. The closure included blocking several unofficial trails that cut across fairways in unsafe ways.

Why was Gibbs Loop suggested as an alternative?

The Gibbs Loop Trail was originally built as a safe way to provide recreation access around the course without entering active play areas.

Will this proposal affect the Gibbs Loop Trail?

No. Neither the original closure nor the proposed alignment will impact Gibbs Loop. That trail remains open and available for use.

If we already have Gibbs Loop, why is a cut-through needed?

Some trail users have asked for a more direct connection between destinations. The proposed cut-through would shorten travel distances and reduce elevation change, giving more users - including those with different conditions, abilities, or time constraints - the opportunity to enjoy recreation in more areas.

Why are we reconsidering trail access now?

Because we listened. After hearing strong community feedback, we worked with trail advocates to explore whether a safe, limited alignment could exist within the course. We've identified a potential compromise that would minimize risks while giving trail users some access.

Where did this alternative come from? Who was consulted?

This idea was developed in partnership with a community-based trail users group that was vocal during the initial closure, but also constructive and collaborative in seeking solutions. Together, we looked for a route that:

• Creates a convenient and direct connection between upper and lower trail systems.
• Avoids conflicts with golfers by staying out of active play areas.
• Keeps the trail as flat as possible, so people of all ages can use it.
• Prioritizes walkers, hikers, and joggers.
• Reinforces that trespass off the trail and into golf course areas will remain prohibited.

Have conflicts and safety concerns decreased since the closure?

Yes. Trail users have largely respected the closure, and conflicts have been significantly reduced - though not eliminated. Golfers have reported a better experience in general.

Will bikes be allowed on the new alignment?

No. The proposed alignment is intended for walkers, hikers, and joggers only. Mixing bikes with golfers and golf carts is not a safe option. In addition, the Gibbs Loop Trail already provides a safe and appropriate route for bicycles around the course. Finally, sections of the proposed alignment are narrow and not suited for bike traffic.

Do we worry that allowing an official trail could actually increase trespass into the course?

Yes, that is one of the concerns we're weighing carefully. Our hope and expectation is that by providing a high-quality, direct pathway in the locations most desired, users will stay on the trail. We also expect trail users to practice good etiquette and ethics if this option is approved.

If this option is approved and it leads to problems, what happens?

If etiquette is not respected and conflicts become unmanageable, the trail can be closed again. This is a trial solution - not a permanent right.

Who will help reinforce trail etiquette if this is approved?

We are working closely with trail advocacy partners who have committed to being part of the solution. In addition, the Ogden Trail Network (OTN) and the Trails Foundation of Northern Utah (TFNU) will help promote trail ethics, etiquette, and respect for all users.

How will safety and compliance be enforced?

If approved, the alignment would include signage, clear trail markings, and education efforts by our partners. The City will maintain a no-tolerance approach for leaving the designated trail or entering golf play areas.

When would the new trail open if approved?

If the proposal moves forward, final design, signage, and preparation would be required before opening. No timeline has been set, as this depends on the outcome of community feedback and City Council direction.

How much will this cost, and who pays for it?

The proposed alignment would be modest in cost compared to building new trail systems, and it would be funded through existing recreation and trail management resources. Golf course operations are funded by user fees, not taxes.

Will the new trail impact golf course operations or revenues?

No. The alignment was specifically chosen to minimize impacts on golf play and to maintain a high-quality experience for golfers. In fact, record participation in golf this summer demonstrates the importance of protecting that experience.

How will the City make sure this doesn't set a precedent for "opening up" golf courses everywhere to trail use?

Mount Ogden is unique because of its mountainside setting, compact design, and concentration of surrounding trail systems. This proposal is about finding balance in a very specific context. It should not be seen as a general model for other courses.

What makes Ogden's situation different from other golf courses with trails?

While other communities have golf courses with trail connections, none match the unique setting of Mount Ogden - a mountainside course with a compact layout and a high concentration of surrounding trail use. This is a rare challenge, but also a blessing: it reflects the richness of Ogden's outdoor recreation opportunities and the easy access our residents and visitors enjoy. Few communities in the country have this level of access right at their doorstep.

Is golf really a valid use of the land?

Yes. Golf is a well-established recreation use. The course is operated as an enterprise fund, supported by user fees, not general taxes. Golfers are an important part of our outdoor recreation community and deserve a high-quality experience.

What about enforcement and trail etiquette?

Any new alignment would be designed around trail ethics: stay on the path, respect other users, and don't disrupt play. A no-tolerance approach would apply to anyone leaving the designated trail.

Is this proposal final?

No. This is only a proposal. We are seeking community feedback before making any decisions.