Decorated Christmas tree with Ogden in the background and Ben Lomond Peak with a light dusting of snow.

Ogden Christmas Tree

/ Blog, Northern Utah, Wasatch Front / By
  • 2 miles out and back; 1-2 hours
  • Difficulty: easy-moderate
  • Child Carrier: yes
  • None
  • Location: Bonneville Shoreline Trail
  • Unique & fun with a beautiful view
  • Narrow parts along trail with drop offs
Decorated Christmas tree with Ogden in the background and Ben Lomond Peak with a light dusting of snow.

Each December someone (or a group of people) anonymously decorate a tree along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail that overlooks Ogden.

The Christmas Tree is a magical experience that will bring the joy of the season to you and your children. 

What to expect at the trailhead

Begin this hike at the 27th street trailhead. The trailhead begins at a dead end of 27th street so just park along the road.

There are no restrooms at the trailhead. You can expect a moderately trafficked trailhead as many people begin and stop here as they access the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. 

What to expect along the trail

We suggest bringing the child carrier if you do not want to carry your child for part of it. They can walk most of it because it is easy and fairly short. However there are some narrow parts with drop offs that may be of concern when the trail is covered in snow. 

At the trailhead start by going south (to the right in the photo). 

 

27th street trailhead with garbage can and gate to begin the hike. The trail and mountain in the background are covered in snow.

The trail starts wide as you make your way up to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Be sure and keep left at where the trail splits off.

Snow covered trail that breaks off into two different directions. Snow covered mountains in the background.

You will cross a small bridge and head into trees with a stream. After crossing a 2nd small bridge; follow the sign to the South (right) that directs you on the Pond Trail South.  

Trail sign to the pond trail. Snow covering the trail in the background.

Once you reach the Bonneville Shoreline Trail head south (right) towards Waterfall Canyon & the 29th street trailhead.

This section is where it becomes narrow with some drop offs. It can be a little slippery if there is snow on the trail. Therefore; we suggest you use extra caution, hold your child’s hand, and wear shoe spikes. 

We did this hike twice. Once when there was little to no snow. Another time when the trail was covered in snow. We will show you photos and describe what it is like under each condition. 

Child on father's shoulders walking up a narrow trail with snow on the sides.
without snow
Child walking on same portion of the Bonneville Shoreline trail covered in snow.
With snow

The Christmas tree is along the trail about .8 miles from the trailhead. 

Caution

The Bonneville Shoreline trail portion is narrow & there are drop offs in places. If there is no snow on the trail then you should be fine. Just hold your young children's hands. If there is snow then extra caution needs to be taken. Bring shoe spikes if you have them or shoes with good traction.

What to do

As mentioned previously, we did this trail twice. The first time we did the trail in the evening to watch the sunset and see the tree lights. The second time was in the middle of the day. 

The Christmas Trees

Young boy pointing up at pine tree in the mountain that is decorated for Christmas.
Toddler girl sitting next to the Ogden Christmas tree looking up and touching the ornaments.

Enjoy the beautifully decorated tree. There is a large main tree as well as smaller decorated trees. Spend some time looking at all the fun & unique ornaments.

Close up of the Ogden Christmas tree. Many glittery ornaments with tinsel hang from the tree.

The Bench & Sunset

Bench with Ogden city and Ben Lomond mountain in the background.

Continue south on the Bonneville Shoreline trail for .2 miles where you will find a bench overlooking Ogden. Ogden gets some spectacular sunsets. This is a phenomenal place to watch the sun set to the west.  

Toddler with bright coat and unicorn hat walking along narrow trail with Ogden city below. Everything is illuminated a golden color as the sun sets in the background.
Father pointing to city and sunset as he and his son stand on a rock on the side of a mountain.
Father and daughter watching the sunset from a rock.
Man and two children climbing on rocks with sunset and Ogden city below.
Little girl with a unicorn beanie sitting on a green bench. She is looking out at the city and the sunset.
Man looking out at sunset and Ogden.
Father holding child's hand as she walks up rocks to see the sunset and city below.

Suggested Itinerary

Begin your hike around 3:30 pm. Stop for a few minutes to check out the different ornaments on the tree. Then walk a little further to catch the sunset at the bench.

Typically, the sun sets around 5:00 pm during the Winter. Head back so you can see the possibly lite tree with the city lights in the background. 

The Ogden Christmas tree decorated in the mountain as it begins to get dark.

The trees each have lights on them in the past. It typically has battery operated lights or lights operated by a USB drive. However; in 2021 when we went there were no lights on the tree. 

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Good boots
  • Shoe spikes or crampons in case there is slippery snow on the trail
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries and USB port like a Pocket Juice to light up the tree if there are lights on the tree

How to get here

From I-15 in Ogden take the 31st street exit and head east. Turn North on Wall Avenue then East on 27th street. The trailhead is at the end of 27th street. 

Once at the 27th street trailhead follow Google maps where we have pinned the tree location for you here or simply follow our detailed instructions above. 

Happy Trails

If you are looking for a unique holiday tradition then check out the Ogden Christmas Tree that overlooks the city. Have a fun & beautiful experience taking in the tree and the sunset. Happy trails to the Ogden Christmas tree until we meet again!