Ogden might not be the first Utah destination that comes to mind, but it offers a surprising mix of outdoor adventures, cultural explorations, and quirky urban activities. If you’re looking for meaningful outdoor experiences, the Native American Guided Backpack – Overnight – The Great Salt Lake is a standout.
It combines the natural beauty of Antelope Island with a chance to learn about Native American culture, all while enjoying the vast landscapes and incredible wildlife.
For those who prefer to explore Ogden’s city streets, the Ogden Puzzling Adventure offers a fun, interactive way to see downtown.
And if you’re into something more fast-paced, the Zombie Scavengers puts a zombie apocalypse spin on city exploration.
There’s a little bit of everything here, from outdoor wildlife safaris and backcountry camping to urban challenges that will test your problem-solving skills. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, or just a good laugh, Ogden’s tours cater to a variety of tastes and adventure levels.
Quick Overview
Our list includes two outdoor-focused tours: a Native American-guided backpacking trip exploring Antelope Island’s wildlife and landscapes, and a city-based scavenger hunt that lets you discover Ogden’s streets and hidden gems. We also feature three engaging urban activities: two scavenger hunts—one classic and one more interactive—and a thrilling zombie survival game.
All these experiences are affordable, ranging from $20 to $250 per person, and offer unique ways to enjoy this Utah city. Now, let’s dive into the details.
1. Native American Guided Backpack – Overnight – The Great Salt Lake
At number 1, this two-day wildlife and cultural adventure offers a deep dive into the natural beauty and Native American heritage of Utah. The tour starts with a drive to Antelope Island State Park, where you’ll see up to 200,000 migratory birds, along with bison, antelope, and coyotes.
The highlight is a 5-mile trek into the backcountry, where you’ll camp overnight under the stars. Antelope Island is a Bronze Star Dark Sky Park, making it perfect for stargazing.
The second day involves a 7-mile hike across Mars-like terrain with stunning vistas of the Great Salt Lake. The guide, a Native American with rich cultural knowledge, shares stories about the area’s history, wildlife, and native traditions, offering insights you won’t find in guidebooks. Snacks and backpacking lunch are included, making this a well-rounded outdoor experience.
Guests report that the sense of solitude and natural beauty is unmatched, especially during the quiet night under the stars.
This trip is ideal for those comfortable with moderate hiking and interested in combining outdoor adventure with cultural learning. It’s a costly but immersive experience, perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: If you want a meaningful overnight adventure that combines wildlife, stunning landscapes, and Native American culture, this trip is hard to beat. Book early, as spaces are limited.
2. Ogden Puzzling Adventure
For around $35 per group, the Ogden Puzzling Adventure transforms a typical city walk into a fun, interactive puzzle challenge. Using your smartphone, you’ll guide your team through downtown Ogden, solving clues and completing challenges along historic 25th Street. This tour is perfect for families, friends, or couples who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and storytelling.
The adventure covers both historic sites and modern attractions like art galleries, unique shops, and restaurants. Highlights include the Ogden City Wall, Union Station, and modern landmarks like the Egyptian Theater and Dumke Arts Plaza. The game emphasizes local history and hidden stories, making it an engaging way to learn about Ogden’s past and present without the usual museum visits.
People love that this tour is flexible and can be completed at your own pace, making it suitable for all fitness levels. It’s a great option for those looking for an interactive city experience that’s affordable and fun.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a couple of hours of urban exploration with a playful twist, especially if you like solving puzzles and discovering local secrets.
3. Ogden Utah Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
This 1.5-hour scavenger hunt offers an energetic way to see Ogden’s historic streets and quirky sights. The game guides you through the 25th Street district, where you’ll find landmarks like Union Station, the Egyptian Theater, and the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Participants are encouraged to explore at their own pace, taking in shops, art, and architecture while completing fun challenges.
The cost is just $24.50 per person, making it one of the most budget-friendly options. The tour encourages you to discover overlooked gems and learn local stories, all while moving and having fun. It’s especially suitable for families or small groups eager to combine sightseeing with a game.
While it’s a short tour, many find it a lively way to get a feel for Ogden’s character and history. If you’re short on time but want an engaging activity, this scavenger hunt hits the mark.
Bottom Line: A quick, cost-effective way to explore Ogden’s highlights with a playful challenge, ideal for families or first-time visitors.
4. Outrageous Ogden Scavenger Hunt
For those who want something a bit more immersive and personalized, the Outrageous Ogden Scavenger Hunt offers a live, remote-hosted experience. This two-hour adventure involves a custom-designed scavenger hunt with clues and challenges that are tailored to your group. A live host guides you via your phone, providing encouragement and hints along the way.
What sets this apart is the interactive, detective-style gameplay combined with social challenges. It’s designed to be both creative and competitive, encouraging participants to think outside the box. The experience is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of mystery, teamwork, and fun storytelling.
Reviewers note that the host makes the experience feel engaging and personalized, and because it’s remote, you can do it from anywhere in Ogden. The price is reasonable for a private, customized activity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups who want a unique, interactive challenge with a personal touch, especially if they enjoy mystery-solving.
5. Explore Ogden with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers
Finally, for a playful twist on city exploration, Zombie Scavengers in Ogden offers a zombie-themed survival game. Your team uses an app to find survival items around the city, completing tasks related to surviving a zombie apocalypse. It’s a lighthearted, fast-paced activity that lasts about an hour and is suitable for all ages.
The game includes points for collecting items and performing themed tasks, with a remote host available via chat to assist if needed. It’s perfect for group outings, birthday parties, or anyone with a sense of humor and a competitive streak. The price is very affordable at just $20 per group, making it a great value for a quick fun experience.
While it’s less about sightseeing and more about silly fun, it’s a memorable way to interact with Ogden’s streets in a humorous way.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups seeking a short, entertaining challenge with a zombie twist, perfect for families or friends who don’t mind a bit of silliness.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Ogden
Selecting the best experience depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you love outdoor adventures and cultural learning, the Native American Guided Backpack offers a deep connection to nature and history, but requires physical fitness and time commitment.
For a more relaxed city exploration, the Ogden Puzzling Adventure or the Scavenger Hunt provide a fun way to see the sights without breaking a sweat.
If you’re traveling with a group or family and want something playful and flexible, the Outrageous Ogden Scavenger Hunt or the zombie-themed game might be more your style. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the affordability of the scavenger hunts, while those seeking a unique, personalized experience might prefer the interactive, remote-hosted scavenger hunt.
Ultimately, booking early ensures availability, especially for popular outdoor tours. Consider the weather too—summer is perfect for Antelope Island, while urban hunts are great year-round.
Ogden offers a surprising variety of ways to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re after wildlife encounters, cultural insights, or just a good laugh, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
For outdoor lovers, the Native American Backpacking trip is a highlight, while city explorers will enjoy the puzzle and scavenger hunts. Don’t forget to reserve your spot early, especially during peak summer months, to make the most of your visit.
Happy exploring!