Contrary to popular belief, Ben Lomond Peak isn't the tallest mountain in Weber County. Willard Peak, about a mile to the northwest, is taller by 52 feet.
There are at least three trails leading to Willard Peak, but the shortest route is from Willard Basin. You need to be in good shape to tackle Willard Peak from either the North Fork or the North Ogden Pass trailheads because those routes are about 18 miles round trip.
Trail rating: **
Scenic rating: ***
Distance: Four miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 964 feet.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Directions to the trailhead: Drive to Mantua, located about five miles east of Brigham City along U.S. 89. Look for an LDS church on the south side of town. The scenic backway, a dirt road that leads to Willard Basin, is found there.
It is a 12-mile and 3,600-foot climb to Willard Basin (8,800 feet in elevation). You may need to inquire about road conditions. Most cars have no problem making this drive in good weather. Snow may block the switchbacks of the road's upper reaches into late July.
The road is narrow, and while some may not like driving on it, it saves some 12 miles in hiking.
After reaching the basin, look for a well-worn path heading south up to the mountain saddle.
More adventurous drivers may wish to continue west and then north along the dirt road as it heads to Inspiration Point, above the town of Willard. For non-hikers, this offers a good view of Willard Bay and the Great Salt Lake.
Trail description: Snow may block this trail in the early summer, but it connects with the Skyline Trail that leads to Ben Lomond Peak. Some hikers may want to quit once the mountain skyline is reached because the view there alone is worth the effort.
Cautions: Breakdowns along the Willard Basin Road could be a problem as the road isn't patrolled regularly. Sudden storms could make the road impassible for cars, so keep an eye to the weather.
Lingering snow may present problems early in the summer, but otherwise the trail has no frightening exposures for most people. Lightning storms are the biggest danger on this trail. Old mines in the area may also pose a danger.
Highlights: An old sign near the road leading into the basin tells the story of overgrazing and floods in the 1920s. Moose can sometimes be seen grazing.
The dramatic rock spires visible from the trail between Willard and Ben Lomond peaks are a delight. Aerial views of I-15, Willard Bay and the Great Salt Lake are also superb. Ogden, much of Weber County and even Davis County are visible to the south and southwest.
On a clear day, the Logan LDS Temple can be spotted with the naked eye.
Tidbits: ever see sparkling metal from the sun's reflection on the high mountainside west of Ben Lomond Peak, it is likely vehicles that have driven to the top of the Inspiration Point segment.
Camping: You can camp in Willard Basin, but there are no established facilities and no potable water.
For more information: Contact the Ogden Ranger District, 801-625-5112.