Hikers and mountain bikers hoping to hit Ogden’s East Bench are out of luck for now. The entire trail system above town is temporarily closed following an overnight wildfire, cutting off access from 1900 North in North Ogden to 425 North in Ogden. Fire crews remain on the mountain working hot spots and shoring up containment lines, and officials say the closure will stay in place until the area is safe. Trail users are being urged to obey barricades and make backup recreation plans while crews work.
Officials Order Trail Closure
According to the Ogden City Government on Facebook, the east bench trail system from 1900 N in North Ogden to 425 N in Ogden is temporarily closed, with officials currently expecting to reopen it on Tuesday morning. The post notes that the closure will remain in effect while fire crews finish suppression work and confirm the area is safe for public access. Residents are asked to respect closure signs and barricades and to plan alternate outdoor activities until the restriction is lifted.
Fire Size And Weather Risks
The blaze, identified as the Mountain Road fire, started in the predawn hours and was estimated at 18.1 acres as crews worked to strengthen containment lines, according to KSL. Firefighters remained in the area to knock down lingering hot spots and check for hazards near the trail network. The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning across much of the Wasatch Front from July 11 through July 13, a setup that heightens wildfire danger and makes suppression efforts trickier, per the National Weather Service.
Trail Access And Safety
Rangers and emergency crews have closed the stretch from the North Ogden trailheads down to lower bench access points, and users are warned not to move barricades or enter the area while crews are on scene. Weber County Emergency Management is maintaining incident information and advisories for Weber County on its website, and residents are encouraged to monitor county or city channels for the latest updates. If you run into closure signs on the bench, treat them as enforceable safety measures and opt for lower-elevation parks or maintained city trails until the hillside reopens.
What Comes Next
Officials plan to reassess conditions and reopen trails once suppression crews determine the area is safe. The current target is Tuesday morning, but that reopening time could change if additional hazards are found. Until then, authorities are asking the public to avoid creating any new fire risks near dry brush and to follow instructions from local emergency officials for the duration of the closure.
