In a press release from Ogden City sent out on Thursday, residents are being encouraged to give feedback on a potential trail alignment through Mount Ogden Golf Course.

“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 release said. “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 Gib’s Loop Trail, which was originally designed to provide safe recreational access around the course.”

The announcement of this closure in April led to a strong reaction against the full closure of the course, with many speaking out against it at the subsequent meeting of the Ogden City Council.

Ogden City Communications Director Mike McBride told the Standard-Examiner that, ever since that meeting, there have been discussions between city officials and interested parties about a compromise.

Image supplied, Ogden City

“The discussions with the trail community have been ongoing for months now, with multiple on-site visits to the golf course to explore viable options to route trail users through the golf course with minimal interaction with golfers,” he said. “There have been multiple ideas considered, and we believe after discussion and design consideration, we have landed on an idea that could work for multiple user groups.”

Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski expressed his own hopes that this presents a way forward.

“Ogden is an outdoor recreation city at heart,” he said in the release. “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.”

According to the press release, the proposed trail alignment considers the following:

• “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.”

A survey has been launched to gather public feedback on the proposed alignment.

Ryan Olson, Standard-Examiner

“Community feedback will help determine whether the option provides the right balance between safety, access, and user experience,” the release said.

McBride said the survey will be available to the public for two to three weeks.

To take the survey, visit www.ogdencity.gov/trailsurvey.

A fence and warning sign limit access to an unofficial path off of Gib's Loop Trail near the 29th Street Trailhead in Ogden on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

An unidentified man jogs down Gib's Loop Trail alongside a fence between the trail and Mount Ogden Golf Course in Ogden on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

From the right, Gib's Loop Trail runs alongside an access road and a fence outside Mount Ogden Golf Course in Ogden on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

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