JanMarie the moments of my life: One Of My Favorite Utah Adventures :)

Sunday, July 7, 2013

One Of My Favorite Utah Adventures :)

A little warning: This post has 56 pictures!

Of course if you know me you know that I took a lot more than 56 pictures :) I really tried to narrow it down but wanted you to experience our adventure as much as possible so there you have it.

Yesterday DJ and I decided to drive up to Mantua up out of Brigham City. It's about 34 miles from our house.

Actually we woke up and debated about going or not going. We are really glad we decided to go for it!

We parked on the outskirts of Mantua (pop. 687) and unloaded the ATVs. Our destination was Inspiration Point on Willard Mountain. You can drive up there in your car but of course it's more fun on an ATV.

The almost 13 mile road leading up to Inspiration Point is called Willard Scenic Backway and climbs 4000+ ft. in elevation.

winding up the mountain

Lupine

looking back


It's hazy but you can see the lake at Mantua just to the left and up from the middle of the picture.

Geranium

Leonards Penstemon

Colorado Columbine

looking at Ogden

we came from the other side of that ridge

Looking toward Ogden from Inspiration Point (elev. 9422 ft.).
While standing here I got the bright idea that we should hike out along that ridge. So we headed out on foot to see where the trail would take us. We hiked across this first little grassy ridge, dropped down a steep and rocky spot then headed back up that next ridge over to that furthest point. Except when you get to that point there's a whole other ridge that leads you to Ben Lomomd Peak which you can't see in this picture. After realizing this trail would take us to the top of Ben Lomond Peak we decided to go for it!

I hope you can get a feel for what it was like hiking along these beautiful ridges.

For those of you familiar with this area the white spot above and to the right of this peak is Smith and Edwards along I-15.

beautiful rock

looking toward the Great Salt Lake

Willard Bay is in the background ~ this tree made quite a picture.

We are almost to the steep rocky part.

Heading back up to the next ridge.

love this rock!

Willard Bay is at the top right.

so pretty

This rock was so cool with Willard Bay and the Great Salt Lake in the background.

Ogden is to the left. At this point we are at the end of the furthest ridge we could see from Inspiration Point.


Looking to the left we could see the top of Ben Lomond Peak and knew we would regret not hiking out there so off we went. There was a nice breeze that helped keep us cool most of the time.

eye catching

vibrant color

mountain goats

There are no words to really describe how beautiful it was walking along these ridges atop mountains I admire everyday.

mountain goats

getting closer :)

Ogden Valley to the left ~ Ogden to the right. Ben Lomond Peak straight ahead!

Me with Ogden Valley behind me :) Ogden Valley took up residence in my heart the first time I saw it over 13 years ago.

Indian Paintbrush ~ I always think of Momma and Dad when I see these. It's one of their favorites.

Ogden Valley in the distance.

Looking back ~ Inspiration Point is behind the mtn. you see there in the middle of the picture.

Almost to the top of Ben Lomond Peak. Just a few feet up to the left. I was so tired I just sat down while DJ went up to the top.

I took a series of pictures from my left shoulder to my right shoulder while sitting down. I could see the Wasatch Front, Cache Valley and Ogden Valley from my seat.

Cache Valley is in the middle of this picture off in the far distance.

Avon Road goes through the middle of this picture connecting Ogden Valley and Cache Valley.

Ogden Valley

While I sat there I was contemplating following DJ. He hollered down "Honey, come up here. You know you'll regret it if you don't". Of course he was right so off I went.