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Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Ben Lomond Peak is the prominent peak above Ogden, Utah in the Northern Wasatch Mountains and sits at an elevation of 9,711 ft!

About

Ben Lomond Peak can be access from four different trails – North Skyline Trail (this blog post), Willard Basin, Cutler Basin, and from the North Fork Park.

This route is the longest at 16 miles round-trip with around 3,600 ft elevation gain. It is incredibly gradual, only becoming steep for the last mile up several switchbacks. The trail itself is very exposed, so there’s minimal shade and no water source. Because of this, I highly recommend starting no later than 5 am in the summer and 6:30 am in the Fall. September & October seem to be the best months because you avoid the heat.

Another downside to this route is that because dirt bikes are allowed, they erode the trail turns into a V. So for at least half the time, you’re either walking like a model foot over foot, or your foot is slanted trying to stay up out of it. My feet hurt definitely hurt after this hike/run.

While I was able to hike this on a Friday, hoping to avoid the bikes and more people, I still passed six dirt bikes and eight other hikers with the same plan. I can’t imagine what it’s like on the weekend – avoid it if you can.

Another note – while this is technically dog friendly, I would not bring the pups along. This is mainly because of the issues mentioned above. The trail is also totally sandy, and they could potentially burn their paws on a hot day.

While I may talk about the “cons” of hiking to Ben Lomond via the Skyline Trail, overall, I enjoyed it. The views are constantly stunning, and it’s well worth hiking at least once.

Directions

It’s easiest to type into Google Maps “Ben Lomond Trailhead – Eden, UT” and have it guide you. Here is a driving map. From SLC, it’s about an hour’s drive.

Trail Info

Distance: 16 miles RT
Elevation gain: 3,600 ft
Time: 5-8 hours
Dog friendly? Yes, but not recommended
Kid friendly? No
Fees/Permits? None

 

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

The trail begins across the parking lot. The first 2.5 miles are long switchbacks. At mile 1.5 you will have an amazing overlook to Powder Mountain, Eden, Utah, and Pineview Reservoir (to the far right).

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

I started hiking at 6:45am and the morning light against the rock was so pretty! I was surprised that the TH was busy that early on a Friday morning. I knew this trail would be very exposed so I started hiking in the dark to be back down before the worst of the heat.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

At mile 2.7 you reach an open intersection – follow the curve of the main trail.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Ahh finally, the one shaded section! It doesn’t last long though.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

The views open again, and now you can see where you will be heading. I initially thought this was Chilly Peak ahead, but not quite yet. However, you will reach the main ridge right below this small, unnamed summit.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Another long switchback.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Once you reach the main ridge, take a hard right and you can now see Ben Lomond Peak! It sure didn’t look like it was another 4 miles away.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

For my route, I wanted to also hit Chilly Peak. So near the saddle I just aimed up, then caught a decent trail leading to the actual summit. Check out my map below for how I got there.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Woot woot, Chilly Peak!

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

That early morning light felt so good, and with the view of Ben Lomond Peak, I knew I was close! I thought I would be able to continue past Chilly Peak and catch the trail, however it seemed to cliff out. So I went back down the same way I came up. I’m glad I did that, because when I got to the other side, I could see the actual cliff. Good thing I turned around!

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Getting closer! It sure doesn’t seem that far away.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Reach the major trail intersection and stay left.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Now the next mile is a steady climb of switchbacks.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

As you get higher you’ll notice you are now above tree line for this area.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Whew, look at those views! PS you can get 10% off headbands from Lilac Market here – just use the code “HIKE” at checkout!

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

As you closer to the summit it seems like there are multiple trails – they all lead up and to the same place.

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

Woot woot, on the summit of Ben Lomond Peak once again!

Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

This view down to Ogden and out to the Salt Lake is just so pretty! I’m really glad I tried this trail – the views were unbeatable, and even though my feet were pretty sore at the end from the V trail, it was well worth it!

 

Check out my Video!

 

 

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

 

Recommended Gear

 

Nearby Hike

Hiking to Willard Peak and Ben Lomond Peak via Willard Basin

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Hiking Ben Lomond Peak via North Skyline Trail, Ogden

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