What is the meeting location and time?

Arrive at the main parking lot by 7:00 p.m., take Birdhouse Trail to the visitor center, continue past to the education building and check in at the classroom.

How long is the hike?

The scheduled program lasts about two hours: roughly an hour for the night hike and an owl presentation afterward.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes—children aged six and older are welcome; the program is family-friendly and uses accessible, low-impact activities.

Can I use a camera or flash?

Avoid flash photography; low-light shots and silhouettes work best. Respect guides' instructions to minimize disturbance.

What happens in bad weather?

Programs vary by season and weather; check the referral link or contact the organizer for cancellations or rescheduling.

Is the trail accessible?

Most areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible on maintained trails, though some sections may narrow at turns.

Bat Night Hike at Ogden Nature Center: After-Dark Wildlife Walk Near Ogden, Utah

At dusk, the Ogden Nature Center in Ogden, Utah, sheds its daytime quiet and becomes a classroom under the stars. The Bat Night Hike is a two-hour guided experience that leads small groups onto established trails after dark to spot nocturnal animals, learn bat biology, and practice field techniques such as "spider sniffing." Meeting at the main parking lot, participants follow Birdhouse Trail to the visitor center and continue past to the education building; check-in happens in the classroom before the hike begins.

Trails wind through mixed riparian habitat and open meadow edges around ponds and lowland brush, giving guests a chance to hear and sometimes see the night’s residents. The program centers on bats and includes an owl presentation that typically follows the hike. Guides use quiet observation, red lights, and bat detectors to translate ultrasonic calls into audible beeps, turning invisible activity into an immediate, shared discovery. Much of the route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, which makes this an approachable after-dark outing for families and first-time night hikers.

Why this trip stands out: many urban visitors never get to observe nocturnal adaptations in place. Ogden Nature Center offers structured, small-group access to habitats where bats forage and owls hunt close to town. The evening format strips away daytime distractions and teaches simple, transferable skills, how to interpret rustling, where to look for echolocation signatures, and how to practice "spider sniffing" to find hidden invertebrates—so you leave with stories and new fieldcraft.

Practical details are straightforward: arrive by 7:00 p.m., expect a guided hike that lasts roughly an hour followed by an owl talk, and bring a reusable water bottle, warm layered clothing, and a simple flashlight with a red filter. The program welcomes children six and older, and cancellation is available up to 48 hours ahead for a full refund. Accessibility is good on the maintained trails, though some sections narrow at turns.

For photographers, focus on silhouettes against twilight and the interpretation moments with bat detectors rather than attempting flash shots. For naturalists, this is a rare chance to connect with the animals that shape night ecosystems within minutes of Ogden. Whether you’re a newcomer to nocturnal wildlife or a seasoned tracker, the hike delivers practical learning, low-impact observing, and an unforgettable shift in perspective as the center quietly comes alive after dark.

Guides emphasize low-impact practices and respect for sensitive roosting sites; avoid loud noises, leave dogs at home, and use minimal light. Programs vary by season and weather, so check availability via the referral link before arriving. Small groups mean personalized interpretation and chance to try a bat detector yourself. It’s a responsible, hands-on evening that connects visitors of all ages to nocturnal Utah wildlife.