In late summer 2024, Ogden City was alerted to growing safety concerns involving hikers, bikers, and runners using informal trails that cross through the Mount Ogden Golf Course. These shared-use conflicts — particularly involving hikers, joggers, cyclists, dogs and active golf play — raised red flags about potential injury and liability. The Ogden Trails Network helped notify the community about these concerns, which prompted immediate and passionate public pushback against the idea of restricting access to these unofficial routes.

In response to that outcry, the city paused any action in order to re-evaluate the situation, assess risks, and explore possible alternatives that could preserve recreational access while addressing safety concerns.

In spring 2025, during a routine citywide audit, representatives from the city’s risk manager, Utah Risk Management Agency (URMA), visited the Mount Ogden Golf Course and personally observed trail users entering and moving throughout the course in multiple locations, often in conflict with golfers. During that visit, a trail user told URMA staff that they had previously been struck by a golf ball while on the course. This direct observation and testimony elevated URMA’s concern, prompting an immediate verbal warning to the city about the legal exposure these conditions presented. After receiving that warning, Ogden City asked URMA for a formal written legal assessment outlining the risks and recommendations.

On March 26, Ogden City received formal written notice from URMA (attached) outlining the severity of the risk, urging the city to immediately eliminate unauthorized public access across the golf course or face extreme liability — potentially leaving the city uninsurable and unlimited in its financial liability.

City officials quickly began evaluating next steps, fully aware that this was a beloved recreational area and any changes would be upsetting to many residents. In the weeks that followed, the city’s legal team assessed the potential for prescriptive easement claims, explored trail rerouting options, and consulted with partners including the Ogden Trails Network and Trails Foundation of Northern Utah.  City officials and legal representatives determined that prescriptive easements did not apply to this circumstance, and that alternative routes were not easy, quick or affordable.

At the same time, with warming spring temperatures, both trail and golf course use increased sharply, heightening the chance of a serious incident. Because Ogden City had now been formally notified of a known danger, the legal risk of inaction grew by the day. It became clear that immediate measures were necessary to protect the public and shield taxpayers from potentially unlimited liability.

Therefore, on May 1, in coordination with trail partners, Ogden City quickly implemented restrictions on the unofficial trails crossing through the golf course. While the designated Gib’s Loop Trail remains open, fencing, signage, and other improvements are being installed to guide users away from active play areas.  This decision, though difficult and unpopular for some trail users, was driven by safety and legal necessity. It has understandably sparked strong community reaction, along with a wave of questions and calls for more clarity. We’ve listened — and we are grateful to the many residents, trail users, and recreation advocates who have shared their thoughts and concerns.  This release is intended to bring all the facts together in one place and reaffirm our commitment to transparency, safety, and continued public engagement.

“I want to acknowledge the confusion and frustration this decision has caused, and I’m sorry for the way it was communicated,” stated Ogden Mayor, Ben Nadolski. “While the safety concerns required immediate action, I understand that the process left many feeling unheard. I’m committed to improving how we engage with the community moving forward, and to working with our partners and the public to explore long-term trail solutions that are safe, sustainable, and compatible with golf course operations.”

While we strive for public engagement in all decisions, this situation required urgent action. After being formally notified by our risk management agency of significant safety concerns and legal liability, the city had to act quickly to protect trail users, golfers, and taxpayers from potentially severe consequences. To clarify: the Gib’s Loop Trail has not been closed. The changes apply only to informal, non-designated paths where trail users were leaving Gib’s Loop and entering the active golf course–creating unsafe conditions. Trail users are asked to remain on the official Gib’s Loop Trail, which remains open and in use.

To further enhance safety and ensure continued access, a short portion of Gib’s Loop will be slightly realigned away from the golf course. The trail will remain a singletrack route, and a new bridge will be built over the river to support this realignment–thanks to a partnership with the Ogden High School Mountain Biking Team. These improvements are designed to preserve the natural trail experience while protecting the long-term viability of both the trail and the golf course.

Importantly, these changes do not impact winter recreation. Activities such as sledding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and other seasonal uses will continue as they have in prior years. Ogden City remains committed to year-round outdoor access and is working closely with community partners to ensure safe, sustainable recreation for all users.