View southeast, with a bit of Pineview Reservoir sneaking into view. Photos and ride review of Woody's World June 2016 by Bruce. Latest update September 2021.
Powder Mountain West Trails
Brittain's Ribbon, Woody's World, and Paper Airplane
with GBPB and Baggage Claim connections
Brittain's Ribbon, Woody's World, and Paper Airplane
with GBPB and Baggage Claim connections
While the Brim trail is well-known, Powder Mountain has a full system that's a hit with locals. This page covers the western trails, consisting of (from north to south): (1) Brittain's Ribbon, (2) Doctor's Dozen doubletrack, and south of Powder Ridge Road (3) Woody's World, (4) Paper Airplane, (5) Baggage Claim, and (6) GBPB connector. The riding season is mid June through September.
Brittain's Ribbon
Early in the ride climbing up Brittain's Ribbon, we're traversing the steep hillside through stands of fir.
Brittain's Ribbon runs from the Powder Mountain Lodge to the Hidden Lake Lodge. It can be either
a climbing or descending route. Both ends can be reached by car, so a
shuttled downhill is
a viable option. The trail is 2.0 miles long, starting at an elevation
of 8250 feet and climbing
to 8850. When climbing, there's a bit of descending and traverse, bringing
the total vertical
closer to 700 feet.
The trail begins to the left of the lower lodge. Take the doubletrack (which is the bottom
of
Doctor's
Dozen
), and as the DT turns to the right at the upper corner of the lodge, turn to the right onto
the winding singletrack.
The climbing turns in the steeper areas tend to be wide in radius, requiring a bit of leg and momentum. In the other direction, they're swooping bermed rail-em's that area a lot of fun. That's why most riders use Brittain's Ribbon as a downhill.
The climbing turns in the steeper areas tend to be wide in radius, requiring a bit of leg and momentum. In the other direction, they're swooping bermed rail-em's that area a lot of fun. That's why most riders use Brittain's Ribbon as a downhill.
After a set of climbing turns, at mile 1.0 we're crossing a ridge and heading in a long traverse over to the cross-over with Doctor's Dozen.
Most of the terrain here is low scrub and flowers, with tiny patches of fir and aspen. The views are constant. Here we're looking north into Wellsville Creek Canyon.
Brittain's Ribbon crosses the gravel-road portion of Doctor's Dozen at mile 1.4 from the bottom,
0.6 miles from the top. Just west of the crossover is a doubletrack connector
down to Powder
Ridge Road. There's a singletrack in the middle, to your right, that crosses
the paved road
to connect to Woody's World. If you miss it, 100 feet downhill on the
paved road is the spur
over to Woody's World.
The top 0.1 mile of Brittain's Ribbon is a steep doubletrack at this time. If you're starting
from the uphill end at the Hidden Lake Lodge, go to the right (east) of
the building. The doubletrack
will fork. Go left and pass between the lift and the lodge going westbound.
Find the singletrack
on your right 1/10th mile downhill.
Beginning the final grunt up to the top. You can see the lift on the ridgeline at upper right. (The lodge itself is just out of sight to the right of the lift canopy.)
Doctor's Dozen Doubletrack
View southwest to Mount Ogden.
The western end of
Doctor's Dozen
begins on the left side of the Powder Mountain lodge as doubletrack. Veer to the right after
passing the lodge, then climb the dirt road. There's little to recommend
on this end of the
trail, so you could be forgiven if you take Brittain's Ribbon uphill to
where it intersects
Doctor's Dozen. The doubletrack portion of Doctor's Dozen is 1.3 miles
long and boringly straight.
You'll climb 350 vertical feet then descend 250 vertical before hitting
the singletrack near
Hidden Lake.
Climb 0.7 miles with 350 vertical feet of elevation gain. On the ridge, a doubletrack heads
down to the paved Powder Ridge road. (This spur allows you to connect
to upper Woody's World.
Jog downhill on pavement about 100 feet, then cross to the downhill side
of the road to find
the spur to Woody's.)
Just as the gravel road begins to go downhill, Brittain's Ribbon crosses. Go straight downhill on the gravel road for 0.5 miles, losing 250 vertical feet. The road will curve at the southern border of Hidden Lake. Just after passing the lake, the Doctor's Dozen singletrack forks away on your right.
At the ridgeline looking west.
Woody's World
Climbing through rollers on a straight-away section, shortly after leaving the Powder Ridge Road.
Woody's World runs parallel to Powder Ridge road -- the road to the upper Powder Mountain ski
lodge and Summit Village. Woody's is 1.8 miles long with excellent riding
either as a climbing
or downhill trail. It can be combined with other Powder Mountain trails
such as
Brim
and
Doctor's Dozen
for a longer ride. The starting elevation is 8200 feet with a top of 8800.
Woody's World makes a good climbing trail, either as a stand-alone out-and-back or as a climb-intensive
start to a large lariat loop that includes
Brim
The entry to the trail is 1/10 mile up Powder Ridge Road -- the road to the upper (Hidden Lake)
lodge -- on the right side of the road.
The four sets of switchbacks make the grade more tolerable as you gain 600 vertical feet. The trail has been constructed with rollers that give your climbing legs a bit of change-up, check downhill speeds, and reduce trail erosion. I found the surface butter smooth.
The four sets of switchbacks make the grade more tolerable as you gain 600 vertical feet. The trail has been constructed with rollers that give your climbing legs a bit of change-up, check downhill speeds, and reduce trail erosion. I found the surface butter smooth.
Taking a break.
Almost all of the trail lies in dense forest. Once in a while, it breaks out.
The trees are mostly aspen with occasional fir. Chokecherry, fern, and currant fill the understory.
The shade (and the elevation) keep things fairly cool even on this sun-facing
slope. Although
the trail is almost 100% forest-covered, there will be an occasional break
in the trees that
give nice views. To the west is Eden and the Ogden Valley, with Lewis
Peak on the opposite
side. Mount Ogden lies southwest and Ben Lomond to the northwest.
There are two trail forks. When climbing, you'll hit the first one at mile 1.2 from the pavement at the apex of a switchback. Turn right. Going straight takes you about 40 feet to the Powder Ridge ( upper lodge) road.
There are two trail forks. When climbing, you'll hit the first one at mile 1.2 from the pavement at the apex of a switchback. Turn right. Going straight takes you about 40 feet to the Powder Ridge ( upper lodge) road.
The next trail fork is the Paper Airplane trail, on your right. To continue uphill, stay left.
The trail to Paper Airplane Point angles somewhat downhill 0.3 miles,
where you'll find a giant
steel "paper airplane" before the trail continues on east. Worth doing
as a quick out-and-back
even if the Paper Airplane Trail isn't your final destination.
The "paper airplane" lies on its side down the ridge. In 2016, the trail beyond the airplane is still under construction and is subject to closure. See the little white spot near the nose of the airplane? That's a trail worker, for size comparison.
Another look over at Mount Ogden from higher on the mountain.
As you reach the top (mile 1.8, or 2.5 if you went to the airplane), the trail will end on
paved road next to a guardrail. If you go left uphill, you'll be at the
lodge road in about
60 feet, even though it might not be obvious from where you stand. This
can take you to the
Hidden Lake Lodge.
If your objective is to get to the Brim trail as fast as you can (without taking the Paper Airplane and Baggage Claim trails to get there), turn right on the paved road. Follow the paved road to a T intersection, then go right under the underpass. Stay on what appears to be the main road, generally straight, as it arcs around gently toward the south. It will be 1.8 miles of pavement to the Brim trailhead.
As a downhill, the major challenge of Woody's World is simply FINDING it. There's a plan for
a connector from the lodge. But at the time of my ride (June 2016) you
wouldn't find the upper
end of Woody's World unless you'd ridden it uphill (and remembered right
where you left it).
From the lodge parking, coast down the gravel entry road. Keep straight as you hit the pavement, retracing a tiny bit of the drive uphill. At the first opportunity, turn left downhill. About 60 feet later, find the trail just past the end of the guardrail. See the photo.
From the lodge parking, coast down the gravel entry road. Keep straight as you hit the pavement, retracing a tiny bit of the drive uphill. At the first opportunity, turn left downhill. About 60 feet later, find the trail just past the end of the guardrail. See the photo.
Little Rocky rests against the guardrail. The worn spot is the top of Woody's World.
Paper Airplane
Starting downhill toward Paper Airplane Point.
The Paper Airplane trail is 1.8 miles long. West to east, there's 150 feet of descending followed
by 200 feet of climbing.
When climbing uphill on Woody's World, the Paper Airplane trail forks to the right at mile 1.4 from the bottom of the singletrack. Paper Airplane will descend through aspen forest for 0.3 miles before breaking out into low scrub at Paper Airplane Point. This part of the trail is smooth and easy with gentle grade.
When climbing uphill on Woody's World, the Paper Airplane trail forks to the right at mile 1.4 from the bottom of the singletrack. Paper Airplane will descend through aspen forest for 0.3 miles before breaking out into low scrub at Paper Airplane Point. This part of the trail is smooth and easy with gentle grade.
While the trail is signed as a beginner route (and most of it is appropriate for beginners),
there are some rock gardens on the eastern end. Beginners and even most
intermediates will
bounce out of control and hike through a couple of short sections of embedded
bounders.
Of course, the "paper" airplane is the highlight here, certainly worth a photo or video session. I don't know if you're officially allowed to do a "wall hit" on the airplane sculpture, but many riders do that and the steel hasn't broken yet.
Of course, the "paper" airplane is the highlight here, certainly worth a photo or video session. I don't know if you're officially allowed to do a "wall hit" on the airplane sculpture, but many riders do that and the steel hasn't broken yet.
Little Rocky rests on the paper airplane. Looking northwest.
View to the west.
At Paper Airplane Point, there are views to the south and west. Hang out and take a few pictures
of the scenery as well.
The trail now reverses direction to head east. The gentle descent will continue for about 1/2 mile. Then the trail starts a slow climb along the canyon above the south fork of Wolf Creek. You'll climb 200 vertical feet over one mile.
The trail now reverses direction to head east. The gentle descent will continue for about 1/2 mile. Then the trail starts a slow climb along the canyon above the south fork of Wolf Creek. You'll climb 200 vertical feet over one mile.
As you approach the Summit Village road, you have three options. A fork downhill to your right will take you onto the Baggage Claim trail. It will descend a series of turns, then climb the other side of the small valley to the Brim Loop . This connector is 1.3 miles long. (See below.)
Eastbound on Paper Airplane through little stands of aspen and fir.
Meadows with young aspen.
If you continue straight on Paper Airplane, you arrive at a second fork just before the underpass. To the right, Paper Airplane climbs up to the pavement. Straight ahead, GBPB passes under the road then climbs up to the ridgeline to join Doctor's Dozen . (See below.)
Baggage Claim and Brim Connector
Looking down the South Fork Wolf Creek valley as we drop away from Paper Airplane on the Baggage Claim trail.
The Baggage Claim trail forks away from Paper Airplane near its eastern end and connects across
the valley to the
Brim
trailhead. It's 1.3 miles -- and 150 feet of climbing -- to reach the Brim trailhead.
Baggage Claim will descend 150 vertical feet over 1/2 mile, then begin climbing up toward the
Brim Loop
This area passes through a ski slope of flowers and low scrub. The trail spends a lot of time
winding back and forth as it changes elevation.
Looking north as we switchback the slope to drop elevation.
Trail fork with the Brim Connector.
At mile 0.9 from Paper Airplane, the Brim Connector forks away from Baggage Claim. Keep left
to climb Baggage Claim to the trailhead; right to traverse the hillside
to join the Brim Loop.
The Baggage Claim to Brim connector is one mile long with only a bit of elevation change. It
joins the Brim Loop westbound in the aspen and fir forest just before
it breaks out for views
to the west and turns back to the east.
We've reached Brim and we're looking back. On the left is the connector; Brim is on the right.
Climbing on Baggage Claim up to the Brim trailhead.
Whether you climb Baggage Claim to the trailhead and take the main Brim Loop to this point,
or take the connector trail, is up to you. Climbing to the trailhead will
add about 100 feet
of climbing and 0.4 miles to the ride.
GBPB connector
Riding north on the connector.
The GBPG connector is the route from Paper Airplane to Powder Mountain's northeast trails (
Doctor's
Dozen and Sunrise
,
Trail Yeah!
). The trail forks away from Paper Airplane just before its end on paved road.
Keep straight (left) as the Paper Airplane trail approaches the underpass. After going under
the road, climb up and the trail will turn to go north.
Heading toward spruce forest through mule's ear meadows.
Crossing the road northbound, almost to the trail intersection.
The GBPB trail is 0.7 miles long with 150 feet of elevation gain as it climbs from the end
of Paper Airplane to meet Doctor's Dozen near its highest point.
At the uphill end of GBPB, a left turn takes you west on
Doctor's
Dozen
, where you can connect to the western end of Sunrise or descend down to Hidden Lake.
A right turn takes you eastbound on Doctor's Dozen, where you can hit the eastern side of Sunrise or continue to the eastern side of the Brim Loop .
Fork between GBPB and Doctor's Dozen.
Ride recommendations...
Looking west at Eden, you can see the North Ogden Divide Road, and the Great Salt Lake in the distance.
Quick Loop!
Start at the main lodge parking. Woody's up, plus or minus Paper Airplane. Pavement link to Hidden Lake Lodge. Brittain's Ribbon downhill.
Start at the main lodge parking. Woody's up, plus or minus Paper Airplane. Pavement link to Hidden Lake Lodge. Brittain's Ribbon downhill.
Monster Ride!
Start at the main lodge parking. Woody's up to Paper Airplane, Baggage Claim to the Brim Loop counterclockwise. Doctor's Dozen around the mountain and down to Hidden Lake. Climb doubletrack to the ridgeline. Fork right on Brittain's Ribbon for the descent to parking.
Start at the main lodge parking. Woody's up to Paper Airplane, Baggage Claim to the Brim Loop counterclockwise. Doctor's Dozen around the mountain and down to Hidden Lake. Climb doubletrack to the ridgeline. Fork right on Brittain's Ribbon for the descent to parking.
Nicely done.
Powder Mountain area map
Getting there:
From I-15, take Exit 347 to Ogden Canyon. Drive 7 miles up Highway 39 and turn left across the Pine View dam onto Highway 158. Four miles later as you pass the gas station in Eden, keep straight at the stop sign. Drive steep uphill 7 more miles to Powder Mountain. Pass the lower lifts on your left as you follow a turn in the road. The next road on your right is Powder Ridge Road. The bottom of the trail is 1/10th mile up the road, on your right.There's a bit of parking on the shoulder of Powder Ridge Road, presumeably legal. Pedal uphill until you see the trail on your right.To start from the main lodge parking, keep straight on Highway 158 for 100 yards. Park at the main lodge and backtrack to Powder Ridge Road and pedal uphill to the trail.Do NOT park at the top of Woody's World. Self shuttling is against the rules.
From I-15, take Exit 347 to Ogden Canyon. Drive 7 miles up Highway 39 and turn left across the Pine View dam onto Highway 158. Four miles later as you pass the gas station in Eden, keep straight at the stop sign. Drive steep uphill 7 more miles to Powder Mountain. Pass the lower lifts on your left as you follow a turn in the road. The next road on your right is Powder Ridge Road. The bottom of the trail is 1/10th mile up the road, on your right.There's a bit of parking on the shoulder of Powder Ridge Road, presumeably legal. Pedal uphill until you see the trail on your right.To start from the main lodge parking, keep straight on Highway 158 for 100 yards. Park at the main lodge and backtrack to Powder Ridge Road and pedal uphill to the trail.Do NOT park at the top of Woody's World. Self shuttling is against the rules.
Riding resources:
GPS track files (right-click and select "Save as..."):
Area
multi-track file
High-res topo map for printing:
View
map
Lodging, camping, shops:
Links to Ogden area resources
