The Ogden Bench Christmas Tree

December 1, 2023

For many years, the beautiful and magically decorated Christmas Tree appears on the hills along the BST in Ogden right around Thanksgiving and remains up until the New Year. It’s a special holiday tradition that many people look forward to visiting every year. If you’re from Ogden, you (probably) know exactly what we’re talking about.

However, in the last few years, it’s begun to expand in popularity and grow in size. People, groups and organizations are beginning to use it to display coupons, free items, candy bars, money or words of encouragement. This isn’t bad at all - but what is happening is that the magical elves who put the tree up each year, and who are also very good about taking it down, can’t be responsible for all of the new additions. The tree is beginning to overflow onto other trees in the area and so much is being added, that when the wind blows, or animals come up on them, the decorations and such are being spread all along the hillside and no one is going back to remove it. The trail and surrounding areas can (and is) easily become filled with joyful litter. Please be respectful of everyone who is enjoying the area and stay on the designated trail.

We would love to encourage you to take your families up to the tree and experience it. Please take a garbage bag with you and collect any and all of the debris that you find along the way and please refrain from adding to the tree or trees. No glass or otherwise breakable ornaments should be added to the tree. As the ornaments get knocked off, from wind, animals or otherwise, they fall to the ground breaking, sending glass and sharp shards onto the trail and grass areas near the tree. Paper is equally as bothersome as it doesn’t tend to stay on the tree and also takes flight.

Spread the cheer this holiday season while still Leaving No Trace along the hills.