Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of 12th Street, Ogden’s Birdsong Trail at the mouth of Ogden Canyon provides a welcome return to nature’s sights and sounds. The trail got its name because an abundance of birds can usually be heard singing in the grove just west of the Rainbow Trailhead. On a recent summer day, Black-capped Chickadee, Lazuli Bunting, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat and American Crow all were heard.

This easy trail is popular with families, hikers, mountain bikers and runners. It offers wonderful views to the west and north and crosses springs and deep forest rich with thick willow, chokecherry, cottonwood and dense scrub oak.

From the Rainbow Gardens Trailhead to the trailhead at Fillmore and 20th Street is an easy less than a mile uphill hike with views of the El Monte Golf Course to the west. The route becomes a 2.4 mile loop by walking south on Fillmore Avenue to 22nd Street and then east on 22nd Street. At the 22nd Street Trailhead, follow the Bonneville Shoreline Trail back to the Rainbow Gardens Parking lot.

Pro Tip:

A bench about a half mile from the Rainbow Gardens Trailhead provides a shady spot for mom and dad to rest while the kids explore the nearby spring and pond.