Still doing research for the upcoming revision of the Ogden Sierra Club’s Outings Guide, I recently hiked two more new trails.
The first was Ogden’s Birdsong Trail, which climbs the bluff just west of Rainbow Gardens. I had hiked it before, of course, but never in the spring. Although both ends of the trail are infested with weeds, there’s a lovely portion in the middle that winds around a bench area displaying what looks like entirely native plants: sagebrush, green grasses, prickly pear cactus, sego lilies, and a few other flowering plants. If you get a chance, be sure to check out this trail before it gets scorched by the summer heat.
Next I headed to North Ogden to check out a newly opened 5-mile section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. This section follows the power line corridor north and west from the North Ogden Pass road, traversing right under the south face of Ben Lomond. Many thanks to Weber Pathways and Rocky Mountain Power for making this trail possible. I’m glad the trail was put in place before the subdivisions climb up to it, which is just a matter of time. Some new water tanks have just been put in, and another is under construction, while work progresses on new roads just below. Haven’t they heard about the recession?
Birdsong is one of my favorite here in Ogden. What a cool way for East bench Ogden residents to access the Riverway Parkway.
ReplyDeleteMy friend and I recently took our beach cruisers down this trail to link with the pathed path. Great time.
I'll have to go check out the new 5 mile deal north of the divide. Although the view from Ogden appears that developers are having their way with the foothills of North Ogden - What a shame.
Cheers Dan!
Dan:
ReplyDeleteI was on the Birdsong trail last week, and I think I saw some very healthy stands of Indian Paintbrush. That right? I usually don't see it this low. Or did I mis-identify it?
Curm:
ReplyDeleteYes, there's quite a bit of paintbrush along the Birdsong Trail. It's pretty common in the foothills, often hiding behind sagebrush.
Did you see the sego lilies?
Dan:
ReplyDeleteNope. Stupid Dog and I have been walking other trails since. Will have to give Birdsong another go and more careful look soon. Thanks for the tip.