Bench Hike in Ogden

The other day I looked at the mountains and realized they were changing color. We were going out of town the next day, but I knew I'd probably miss walking through the leaves if I didn't go that day. So I packed up the girls, dog, took my main little man to preschool and ran up to the trails.

I only had two hours before preschool ended so I knew we had to boogie it. I accidently left my phone at home, so I was hoping we could time it just right.

Aiko (4) wasn't that excited about it, until I told her that we'd be searching for colored leaves.

We weren't even on the trail yet and we found a whole bunch. Luckily, she decided to wear this weird apron thing that had lots of pocket space.

This trail has many options, but we decided to take our beloved trail to the ponds. This is where you turn left off the dirt road to get to the little streams, bridges and dog ponds. It's a very short walk. (Check out the map below for our version of the trail. Stephanie actually takes a different hike here.)

This is probably the first time we didn't stop and play in the water, but it was only like 40 degrees. To continue on to the Bench Hike Trail, walk straight forward from where Aiko is standing on the bridge.

You'll follow the trail and it leads to a split and a smallish mountain (to the kids). Stay to the left. Once you go up a short walk you'll find another Trail Marker with a dog bowl, head right.

Keep following the trail along the side of the mountain. Be careful, there are some steep parts off to the size.

You'll also pass under a giant metal sign, saying the public is welcome.

Be sure to look all around you.

It's beautiful.

While it's not that long of a hike, be sure to stay hydrated.

(Have you picked up a Salt Project Beanie?!)

Aiko was sure to pick up all the leaves along the way, plus some rocks she fancied.

This is my favorite part of the hike. Suddenly, the scenery changes into this rocky mountain area.

I think it has a Lord of the Rings feel to it. Since my kids are in love with Hobbits and Gandalf, they LOVE it.

Here's the bench! I think it's about a mile one way.

Aiko insisted on bringing her microphone. I tell my kids if they want to bring toys, they have to carry it themselves.

But honestly, it was totally worth watching her sing on the top of the mountain.

We attempted to get a group photo. Baby V is fast asleep in her Moby Wrap. I often change baby carriers depending on the weather. When it's cooler I like to wear the Moby.

Then the sun just passed up the mountain and was showing off.

Such a pretty hike.

Like I said earlier, I forgot my phone...so I wasn't sure what time it was. I had asked someone on the way up the trail and we'd been out about 45 minutes. By the time we got back down the mountain it had only been 1.5 hours total! Coming back, the kids are ALWAYS faster somehow. It's like they finally get in their hiking groove. We didn't even have to bring out the Trail Fairy.

Be sure to #thesaltproject if you go! We'd love to see your photos.