Ben Lomond, Willard Peak, Inspiration Point via Skyline Trail in Wasatch-Cache National Forest, UT

Hike Ben Lomond, Willard Peak, Inspiration Point via Skyline Trail Wasatch-Cache National Forest, UT

Class 2 21.2 miles 5400 gain 8-11 hrs Out + Back Jul 18, 2019
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude
Directions
Route Map
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Ben Lomond, Willard Peak, Inspiration Point via Skyline Trail GPX Track

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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. 

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Ben Lomond Mountain
9712 ft
471 rise
2
Willard Peak
9763 ft
3243 rise
3
Inspiration Point
9400 ft
160 rise
4
Chilly Peak
8600 ft
160 rise

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Starting from the Ben Lomond Trailhead, we went up the North Skyline Trail.
Starting from the Ben Lomond Trailhead, we went up the North Skyline Trail.
Lots of dumb switchbacks just to get up to the ridgeline. They're long and barely gain any elevation.
Lots of dumb switchbacks just to get up to the ridgeline. They're long and barely gain any elevation.
Image 2 from gallery
Eventually we made it to the ridge, but the trail doesn't follow the crest, instead staying east of it.
Eventually we made it to the ridge, but the trail doesn't follow the crest, instead staying east of it.
Working northwest as we continue up to the crest.
Working northwest as we continue up to the crest.
Image 5 from gallery
Looking back the way we came along the Skyline Trail.
Looking back the way we came along the Skyline Trail.
Finally on the crest, the trail gets more pretty. Ogden Peak visible on the distant left.
Finally on the crest, the trail gets more pretty. Ogden Peak visible on the distant left.
A view of Ben Lomond Mountain as the trail leads us north.
A view of Ben Lomond Mountain as the trail leads us north.
Looking back along the ridge, Ogden Peak center.
Looking back along the ridge, Ogden Peak center.
Ben Lomond Mountain ahead.
Ben Lomond Mountain ahead.
Image 11 from gallery
Another shot looking back. I thought this was the prettiest section of the day.
Another shot looking back. I thought this was the prettiest section of the day.
Image 13 from gallery
About to start the switchbacks up Ben Lomond Mountain.
About to start the switchbacks up Ben Lomond Mountain.
Image 15 from gallery
A bit of snow on the summit of Ben Lomond Mountain.
A bit of snow on the summit of Ben Lomond Mountain.
Ben Lomond summit, view south.
Ben Lomond summit, view south.
Ben Lomond summit, view north toward Willard Peak.
Ben Lomond summit, view north toward Willard Peak.
Willard Peak ahead, Salt Lake on the left.
Willard Peak ahead, Salt Lake on the left.
Looking back toward Ben Lomond as we head between the two peaks.
Looking back toward Ben Lomond as we head between the two peaks.
Approaching the ridge to get to Willard from the south (Class 2+). The trail heads to the left to the standard approach, which heads to Willard from the north. That route is barely Class 2.
Approaching the ridge to get to Willard from the south (Class 2+). The trail heads to the left to the standard approach, which heads to Willard from the north. That route is barely Class 2.
Looking back toward Ben Lomond on the way up to Willard.
Looking back toward Ben Lomond on the way up to Willard.
Image 23 from gallery
At the top of the Class 2+ section.
At the top of the Class 2+ section.
Final bit to Willard Peak summit.
Final bit to Willard Peak summit.
Willard Peak view northwest.
Willard Peak view northwest.
Heading down the north side of Willard Peak on the standard route up. Inspiration Point visible center.
Heading down the north side of Willard Peak on the standard route up. Inspiration Point visible center.
Heading toward Inspiration Point.
Heading toward Inspiration Point.
Looking back toward Willard Peak.
Looking back toward Willard Peak.
Inspiration Point, looking south. This was my turn-around point.
Inspiration Point, looking south. This was my turn-around point.
Inspiration Point, view north.
Inspiration Point, view north.
Along the Skyline Trail to avoid having to re-ascend Willard Peak.
Along the Skyline Trail to avoid having to re-ascend Willard Peak.
Along the way back, we decided to head up Chilly Peak. It's a super minor little peak, but why not?
Along the way back, we decided to head up Chilly Peak. It's a super minor little peak, but why not?
Views on Chilly Peak were really nice. This is looking north toward Ben Lomond. See map attached for where Chilly Peak is along the route.
Views on Chilly Peak were really nice. This is looking north toward Ben Lomond. See map attached for where Chilly Peak is along the route.

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