On Top of Ben Lomond

This photo is of Willard Peak (9,746 feet) from the summit of Ben Lomond Peak (9,712 feet). Ben Lomond stands out along the Wasatch Front because the mountain range appears to run east and west along the Wasatch Range, while most mountains appear to run south and north. Two miles northwest of Ben Lomond is Willard Peak, and northwest of this iconic mountain is Inspiration Point. A VERY rough dirt road travels 14 miles from Mantua, Utah to Inspiration Point. The road is usually not passable until July due to deep snow that resists melting due to the area's northern exposure. Atop Inspiration Point on a clear day, you can see Salt Lake City to the south, Willard Bay and the Great Salt Lake to the west, and the city of Logan, Utah to the northeast. There are frequent herds of wild mountain goats lounging in the area between Ben Lomond and Willard Peak.
Ben Lomond was named after the mountain Ben Lomond in the Scottish Highlands. Early settlers thought the mountain range resembled the Munros. According to some sources, the Paramount Pictures logo, known as Majestic Mountain, was modeled after Ben Lomond. It is said that William W. Hodkinson, the founder of Paramount and a native of the Ogden area, initially drew the image on a napkin during a meeting in 1914.
The climb to the top of Ben Lomond is long and can be challenging. After leaving the parking area the trail crosses Cobble Creek and begins a series of switchbacks up the mountain. There is a waterfall that cascades from Cold Spring at mile 1.6. Various trails intersect; just follow the signs to the summit. The trail switchbacks for most of the ascent, flattening out for about a mile before the final series of zig-zags up to the summit. Moose are commonly seen along the lower trail. The trail ascends an east-facing slope that happens to be one of the wettest in the state and so its wild flower display is unparalleled.
http:--www.summitpost.org-ben-lomond-152185
http:--www.utahhikes.net-blomond10-bl_10.shtml
http:--www.utahhikes.net-willardpk08-willpk_08.shtml
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