There's no doubt that Ben Lomond Peak is the most majestic mountain in Weber County. At 9,712 feet above sea level, this peak was the inspiration for the Paramount Pictures logo, prominently seen before some movies begin. As such, it could be called "The Mountain of Dreams," or Utah's most famous mountain.

Willard Peak, to the northwest and slightly higher at 9,764 feet, just doesn't look as dramatic as Ben Lomond does.

Ben Lomond is almost a full vertical mile higher than downtown Ogden is.

Hiking to Ben Lomond is a long day hike and offers a choice of three routes.

Distance: Six miles one way from North Park Fork in Ogden Valley; nine miles one way from the top of North Ogden Divide; or three miles one way from Willard Basin.

Elevation gain: As little as 912 feet from Willard Basin; 3,528 from North Ogden Divide; and 3,962 feet from North Fork Park.

Difficulty: Very difficult from North Ogden Divide or North Fork Park; moderate from Willard Basin.

Season of use: Late June into October.

Directions to the trailhead: 1. North Fork trailhead: Go to Ogden Valley, east of Ogden and travel along the north side of Pineview Dam toward Eden. At the extreme northwest end of the valley is North Fork Park.

2. Go to North Ogden city and head northeast until you reach 3100 North. Follow it east and it becomes the windy road to the top of North Ogden Pass. Use the north (left side) trailhead.

3. Willard Basin: From Brigham City, go northeast on Highway 89 to Mantua; go south to the south end of town and find the dirt forest road that winds its way up to Willard Basin.

Trail description: Dirt and loose rock.

Time required: Allow two hours from Willard Basin to reach Ben Lomond and three to five hours on the other two trails.

Cautions: There are steep slopes near the Ben Lomond summit. Mountain bikers and motorcycles share the trail with hikers.

Highlights: With nothing to block your view, except sometimes haze, you can see into Cache Valley and spot the Logan LDS Temple with the naked eye from atop Ben Lomond. The High Uintas are also visible.

There is plenty of anti-erosion work that is visible in the area and also some old mines. Cutler Spring is located below Ben Lomond, off a sided trail from the path from North Fork Park.

Facilities: None. Carry plenty of water.

For more information: Call the Ogden Ranger District at 801-625-5112.

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E-mail: lynn@desnews.com