Trip report
Jul 18, 2019 — Ben Lomond Mountain and Willard Peak are more easily summitted from the north, where a bumpy drive leads to Willard Basin and a short hike goes to the top. I wanted something a bit more interesting, and found a much longer approach from the southeast by using the Skyline Trail. I met up with a new friend, David! Starting from the trailhead, we set out on some obnoxious switchbacks leading to the ridgeline. Unfortunately, the trail keeps off the ridge crest, instead staying to the north of it. Once higher up, the trail stays closer to the crest and the views become really nice. Eventually some switchbacks led to the summit of Ben Lomond Mountain. From here, the trail follows a nice ridgeline to the southern base of Willard Peak. David had already done Willard before and wanted to enjoy his lunch, so I continued on to the Class 2+ scramble that leads to the summit. While on Willard Peak, a green hill to the north enticed me, so I kept going down Willard Peak's north ridge (the standard route up) and over to the minor peak that I later found out was called Inspiration Point.
I followed the Skyline Trail back, staying west of Willard Peak to avoid re-ascending it and met back up with David for the trip back. Along the way, we bagged a tiny peak called Chilly Peak, but the views were actually nice and I'd recommend the short excursion.