Mary Ellen Gulch (63.57 miles away)
Alpine, Utah
Inspiration Point
Scout Route
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The trail to Inspiration Point is a right of passage in Northern Utah. This trail provides stunning views, camping, and a climactic finish. I like to think of it as three sections, the bottom, the middle, and the top. Each section has its own unique characteristic that makes it worth exploring.
In the lower section, you'll find staging sections for OHVs and plenty of camping. The trail itself is fairly easy here, and most passenger vehicles can access the lower campgrounds. This is a great area for fall, as the scrub oak creates a stunning kaleidoscope of fall colors.
The second third of the trail enters more of a pine forest. The road becomes much more rocky and narrow. The jagged rocks make airing down wise. There are no rock obstacles, just a switchbacking rough rocky mountain road. Once above the switchbacks, in the final third, the trail passes the lower lake, a beautiful area to hike. There used to be a road down to the lake, but it has officially been closed to all vehicles. The road is still rocky, but it is mainly climbing. In a span of two miles, the trail gains over one thousand feet.
The last major section begins at the Willard Basin overlook. This incredible view also bears a significant history. In 1936 the Conservation Corp terraced the entire basin after a destructive wildfire. You can still see the work they did today reflected in the "steps" that descend the entire mountainside. This portion of the trail has a seasonal closure from November 15th to July 15th.
The trail narrows to a one-way above the overlook. There is fresh water available near the campgrounds in the upper basin. Most campsites require you to hike in, but there are a few options that are available off of the main trail. The hike to the upper lake behind Willard Peak is highly recommended.
The approach to the top is the hardest section. There are two hairpin turns before you reach Inspiration Point. The first has a rock outcrop with a large shelf in the middle.
The road ends at the parking area for Inspiration Point with its views of Brigham City, Ogden, Logan Park City, Salt Lake, Tremonton, and a stunning view of the Great Salt Lake. There is a bench for observation and a hiking trail to Ben Lomond Peak.
