There’s a little town in the idyllic Ogden Valley of Northern Utah with a population of only 632. Huntsville is one of Utah’s best-kept secrets.
It’s the perfect playground for all four seasons, attracting skiers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Early settlers Jefferson Hunt and five other families, moved here in 1860 and kept a peaceful co-existence with the Shoshone Indians by sharing crops, beef and other goods. Since then, many Danish and Scottish immigrants have relocated here and today, many more are moving here to live and buy second homes.
Find out our recommendations on what to do, where to stay & dine in Huntsville.
STAY
Compass Rose Lodge: Compass Rose Lodge is a gem. Opened in 2018, this luxury boutique hotel is one of the most unique places to stay in the USA. The lodge blends history and modern design with the inspiration from Ogden Valley to create this one-of-a-kind farmhouse WITH an Observatory!
We met owner Jeff Hyde, who shared how he and his wife Bonnie, and sons Dakota & River named the lodge, “As a compass rose orients an explorer on a map, we believe in guiding our guests through unforgettable experiences away from the beaten path.”
There are 15 king & queen bedrooms with all the creature comforts, including Beekman 1802 Artisan Bath Products from upstate NY. Guests receive complimentary breakfasts, parking and wifi.
It’s an ideal base for adventurers with hiking trails nearby, skiing at Snowbasin Ski Resort and Powder Mountain, or waterskiing at Pineview Reservoir, there are plenty of adventures to experience year-round. There’s even a coffee shop next to the lobby called First Lift Coffee where you can enjoy specialty beverages, breakfast and baked items. The lattes with specialty Campos roasted beans is the best you’ll find in the area.
Don’t Miss! The Dark Sky Observatory IN the lodge. The onsite Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory H.A.L.O., is a one-of-a-kind offering at Compass Rose. Every Thursday night, the owner’s son, Dakota is a self-taught astronomer and offers a Starwalk Tour of the skies from the lodge’s custom-built observatory. We saw Jupiter and four Galilean moons, Saturn and its rings, stellar nurseries and the milky way. We even got to hold a meteorite in our hand!
Photo courtesy of: Compass Rose Lodge
THINGS TO DO
- Hike: there are several places to hike in the Ogden Valley area like Art Nord Trail, Wheeler Creek, Skull Crack Trailhead. Find out more, click here.
- Ski at Snowbasin and Powder Mountain.
- Watersports at Pineview Reservoir: Great place to spend a summer day! Rent paddle boards, kayaks, canoes and bikes at Detours located in Huntsville Square.
- Cycle through the Northern Wasatch Mountains
- Horseback Ride: Red Cliff Ranch offers memorable horseback rides through Utah’s majestic backcountry.
- Huntsville Square: A great place for weddings, receptions, reunions, summer concerts, retreats, corporate functions and conferences. Visit the Old Fire Station and the historic Robert F. Aldous log cabin and see what life was like in the 1800’s. Tours conducted Saturdays during the summer from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
- Sign up for the Starwalk Tour to see planets and stars from Huntsville’s observatory at the Compass Rose Lodge.
- Take a drive through the Ogden River Scenic Byway beginning at the mouth of Ogden Canyon and traveling east into the Upper Ogden Valley. This beautiful drive continues south over Trappers Loop (Highway 167) into Mountain Green and Weber Canyon. You’ll see picturesque scenery, vistas, geological wonders, sites as you travel the Byway.
- Visit Eden: little historic town just few minutes’ drive from Huntsville.
- Visit Ogden’s Historic 25th Street shops and cafes (about a 25 mins drive from Huntsville). Check out Boho Skin Care for natural skin care and cosmetics classes at 2424 Wall Ave.
More information at: Visit Ogden Valley
DINE
Huntsville: Blue Cayote Café for breakfasts and brunch. Order catering from Huntsville Barbecue Company. Few more options include Alpine Pizza & Pasta, Mad Moose Café and The Shooting Star Saloon – Utah’s longest continuing operating bar in Utah.
Ogden: Find cafes along the historic 25th street, like Good Life Café and Micro Juicery. Stop for ice cream at Farr Better Ice Cream.
Acknowledgements: Global Adventuress thanks Compass Rose Lodge for hosting our stay.