The Ogden BST Trailside Christmas Tree

I love when we find random decorated Christmas Tree’s along the trail. I don’t know, it puts a little smile on my face to see the random acts of cheer. However, none of them are really worth making a destination of it, except for The Ogden BST Christmas Tree. Visiting this exceptionally decorated tree has become a new tradition for us. It a beautifully decorated tree with an amazing view of the Ogden Valley below. It’s a short hike with the option of making a longer loop if desired.

Quick Details:

Length: .8 Miles to the tree. 1.6 round trip.
Difficulty: DR3. There is some climb but it’s fairly easy.
Elevation Gain: About 480 feet.
Restroom: No.
Dogs? Yes. Please clean up after your furry friends.
Other Info: There were a few icy spots so I would recommend micro spikes.

To Get Here:

From Harrison BLVD in Ogden take 27th east till you hit the end of the road. Park.

The Trail:

There is a confusing spider web of trails here, some of them should get you where you need to be, but the most direct route is taking the trail on the north side of the road. The trail will immediately swing east towards Taylor Canyon.

Last time we were here we used the south trail and wasted some time back-tracking. Although, we came back that way this time making a short loop.

Mount Ogden.

Hoarfrost.

Both times we have been here the main trails have been packed down pretty good. It is a popular trail system.

Taylor Canyon. I meant to explore that this year, and it just never happened.

Mount Ogden again.

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Before long you will reach the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST). You are going to want to go right here and head south.

Ogden is building the most impressive network of trail signage it really is better than any other city. But, the seasonal tree is not included in the signage. We learned, when we did Jump-Off Canyon that Ogden City has teamed up with a number of groups to fund the trails and trail markers.

Fun tree tunnel.

Bridge over a currently dry creek.

Another fun tree tunnel.

Before long you will come to the next big trail split. The Christmas Tree is on the Scenic Route.So take the middle trail there.

This short section is a somewhat thin ledge on a fairly steep slope. With the snow it makes me a little nervous, but honestly it’s not too bad.

The scenic route definitely offers a great view! Even with a nasty inversion.

Crossing onto the TR Guest Ranch Property. As the sign says, they have graciously allowed the public to hike on their property. I treat all natural areas as if I was visiting a someone’s property, but be extra respectful while on their property. Some bad eggs have made them react a little oddly with Waterfall Canyon. I would hate to see them remove public access.

Hiking in the shadow of the mountain now.

More hoarfrost. I read that the inversion traps moisture in the air so it can be more common during one. Combine that with the fact that it would appear this part of the mountain doesn’t get a whole lot of sun this time of year and you can view it this late in the afternoon.

Ben Lomond and inversion.

We have reached the Christmas Tree! It’s so pretty!

There were 2 girls here when we arrived. I forget what they said that made me ask if they are responsible for decorating it, but It would appear it is a village mindset. Meaning quite a few locals add to it. That makes me happy as with the village idea, the tradition should continue for a longer than if it was an individual.

It really is pretty though.

With the view below.

Two turtle doves. We found 4-5 ornaments that depicted the items from the song, but not all 12.

There are even lights on it with a solar energy pack.

With the mountains.

The view below again.

An older couple walked by and the way they were talking about the bird seed ornaments led me to believe they might have contributed those. They were surprised they didn’t appear to be touched yet. I like that idea, if you’re going to decorate a trail side tree, might as well do something natural and beneficial to the wildlife.

We had our fun, but decided to head on back. You can make a longer loop by continuing along about 7/10’s of a mile towards Waterfall Canyon and then loop back north on the BST/Pond Trail (approximate total additional 1.9 miles ) or down to the 29th St. Trailhead and walk the 2 blocks back along the road, which will have the same approximate distance.

Really neat patch of hoarfrost.

Good close up.

I love the cool crystal structures.

Another look across the valley.

Into the woods!

The inversion. Blech!

Panoramic.

You can just make out down town Ogden through the smog.

Another panoramic

We decided to check out The Pond Trail and well, it’s neat, and a good addition to the trip but not worth going out of your way to see. But, a neat side trip to check out on the way down.

You can just see the Ogden BST Christmas from near the trailhead.

I really enjoy visiting this random trailside Christmas Tree. It just gives me a little bit of joy. If you are interested in other trailside trees we have seen them on The Quail Trail, Mueller Park, The 21st St Pond, and Bell Canyon. But none of them are as awesome as this one. If you contribute to any trailside tree, I hope you return to retrieve the decorations because after January well, it’s just littering.

Anyway, the tree is spectacular, the view is as well. Not a lot of people. Going with 10 out of 10 squirrels. It is the perfect Christmas time hike!

As for difficulty, It is mostly easy there is a short section of up on a steep slope, but it’s not so bad. DR3.

Dogs are allowed. Please clean up after your furry friends.