Ben Lomond peak - hiking time and distance?

[Sombeech]

A few buds and I will hike this in a week and a half on a saturday. We'll be starting from the North Ogden divide.

What is an estimated time and mileage? Can this be done in about 8 hours?

[Mtnman1830]

If you are starting from N Ogden Divide, it is about 18 miles rt.
took us 9 hours to do a few years ago...


Why not go the extra bit and hit Willard Peak, the highpoint of Weber county

[Sombeech]

Wow, I definitely didn't think it would be 18 miles.

I've hiked to Willard Peak a couple of times... meaning I drove to the top and stepped outside of my jeep.

We're starting to think it may be fun to camp over somewhere up there.

[RugerShooter]

If you want to get to Ben Lomand fast drive to Willard & hike over to Ben Lomand.

[Mtnman1830]

Wow, I definitely didn't think it would be 18 miles.

I've hiked to Willard Peak a couple of times... meaning I drove to the top and stepped outside of my jeep.

We're starting to think it may be fun to camp over somewhere up there.

Ya wussing out?

[rwpontius]

The sign at the trailhead at North Ogden Divide says 8.2 miles to the top of Ben Lomond although it feels like 25 some trips. Earlier this year 3 of us took about 6.5 hours to the top and back. We weren't in a big hurry. At that time the trail on the east side was still pretty well snowed in so we took the ridge route. The regular trail should be good now. As Mtn. Man says it is a nice trip on over to Willard Peak. Both times I have gone to Willard from Ben a lot of mountain goats were to be seen. The trail does have one good north exposure that tends to hold snow late in the year. I haven't been there this year to know how it looks.
RP

[sportsman]

If you want to get to Ben Lomand fast drive to Willard & hike over to Ben Lomand.

I wouldn't mind doing this some time if someone is interested. I am so out of shape 18 miles rt makes me a little nervous

[Sombeech]

thanks for the feedback guys.

we'll be hitting this saturday morning, planning on coming back late afternoon.

[rwpontius]

Have a great hike. Ben Lomond is my favorite Ogden area hike. I'm looking forward to your TR.
RP

[Sombeech]

One of our group is considering taking his 2 year old in a backpack carrier.

Is this a dangerous trail do do this? Is there any boulder scrambling and suck, that poses a danger of falling backwards on the child?

[Mtnman1830]

From what I remember, the trail is good, no exposure.

Dont envy packing around a 2 year old , though.

[rwpontius]

If you stay on the trail there should be no exposure problems. Coming down Monte Cristo today it looks as though there is still some snow on the NE side of the summit cone that you may need to work around. I suspect the heat will be a much greater issue, especially the switchbacks on the way down. Have a great hike.
RP