Canyon Road - Salt Lake City, UT Area Guide

The Canyon Road neighborhood of Ogden takes its name from Ogden Canyon. Carved by the Ogden River running through the Wasatch mountains, this 6-mile canyon was named after Peter Skene Ogden, a French trader and explorer.

In 1860, just as Europeans began to settle in the area, Lorin Farr and Isaac Goodale built a road through the canyon. Initially a toll road, Canyon Road became freely open to the public in 1865. In 1869, Ogden earned the nickname of Junction City when it became the junction for the two transcontinental railroads. Thanks to increased traffic by the railroads, the population in the area boomed.

Locals embrace the arts and culture of this area at Union Station. This converted depot houses art galleries as well as the John M. Browning Firearms Museum, the Utah State Railroad Museum, the Utah Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and the Browning-Kimball Classic Car Museum.

Although a few restaurants exist on Park Boulevard, the majority of Canyon Road's restaurants rest along Washington Boulevard. Here, you can find the food and drink you're looking for—from a bracing cup of coffee to a spicy ethnic meal or hearty American steak. As Washington Boulevard has several lanes of traffic and a high speed limit, it does not draw diners who want to walk around and check out several eateries. Instead, the area's design supports diners who drive directly to their destinations.

For upscale American bistro fare, check out Bistro 258. Housed in an 1888 building with a sordid history, this restaurant serves starters such as seared scallops and crab-stuffed portobellos. Its main dishes include lamb, pork chops and sirloin, and the desserts range from peaches to flourless chocolate cake. Enjoy the majestic beamed ceiling and exposed brick walls inside, or head out to the patio and catch some rays as you dine.

To fill up on Mexican food, Canyon Road locals visit Sonora Grill. This independently owned Ogden restaurant has numerous vegan and gluten-free choices on its menu, but it also welcomes carnivores and flour fans with options such as its meaty burritos wrapped in flour tortillas and smothered in melted cheese.

For an evening meal coupled with entertainment, head to Slackwater Pizzeria and Pub. Order a pizza covered with familiar toppings such as pepperoni, or try the exotic chicken tikka masala variety. If you're not hungry, skip the food and enjoy a selection from the robust beer list while you listen to live music.

Canyon Road residents in search of clubbing have to journey to Salt Lake City to find satisfaction. In Salt Lake, clubs, such as Club Elevate and Area 51, play multiple types of music and sport multiple dance floors.

In the residential and commercial areas of Canyon Road, drivers enjoy free parking. Washington Boulevard, the major thoroughfare of the neighborhood, turns into Highway 89, which connects to Interstate 15 running into Salt Lake City.

A train running from Ogden Station takes riders into central Salt Lake City. To reach Ogden Station, Canyon Road commuters need to catch a bus on Washington Boulevard. The entire journey takes two hours, but the train ride from Ogden to SLC takes only one.

Walking and bicycling in the Canyon Road neighborhood is safe. Ambitious bicyclists can reach any point in Ogden or ride into Salt Lake City if they feel up to tackling a four-hour ride on the trails running along the Great Salt Lake.

Cabs operate in the area, but they are too elusive to hail in the street. Instead, riders need to call in advance for a pickup or order a car using the Uber app.

Ogden hosts over 40 public parks with a range of amenities. Families with kids enjoy Lions Club Park. This park features a playground set safely back from the road and a large field for running and free play. Another park with a playground, Municipal Gardens has an amphitheatre that hosts free summer concerts.

Those craving a workout ride or jog along the Ogden River Parkway Trail, which runs into quiet Lorin Farr Park. Dog owners frequent the Ogden Dog Park because it has a number of fun off-leash areas for dogs to play.

Living in Canyon Road is typically less expensive than living in Salt Lake City. In Canyon Road, landlords charge an average of $565 per month for a one-bedroom residence, but in Salt Lake City, a one-bedroom residence rents for an average of $749 per month.

Gas stations in the area charge 5 percent less for a gallon of gas than the national average. If you crave a beer, $4 to $6 buys you one in a Canyon Road restaurant, but in some dive bars, you can grab a pint for $3 or less. To reach downtown Salt Lake City on the train, riders pay $6 or less.

The many independent shops in the Canyon Road neighborhood appeal to people with a range of hobbies. At the Recreation Outlet, locals stock up on everything they need to explore the nearby mountains. Whether you need a new backpack, a water filter or a pair of hiking boots, this shop carries it at an affordable price.

Local knitters shop at the Needlepoint Joint. In addition to crafting books and supplies, this shop sells upscale crocheted clothing and needlework art. People in search of gifts head to Rainbow Gardens. Housed in an old sanatorium, this shop features over 20 unique gift departments. Shop for the person who has everything in Rainbow Garden's old ballroom complete with sweeping ceiling, or check out the plants in the nursery built in the facility's old swimming pool room.

Hungry shoppers fill their carts year-round at Smith's Food and Drug Centers. In the summer months, they shop at the Ogden Farmers Market for fresh and tasty produce.