CUTLER BASIN TRAIL
Cutler Area map

Access: North end of Weber County North Fork Park

Elevation: Beginning: 5,800-feet Ending: 8,100-feet

Length: 5 miles one-way

Use: Moderate- Hiking, Horses

Difficulty: Difficult

Season: Summer to fall

USGS Map(s): N. Ogden, Mantua

Directions: Travel north from Liberty and follow signs to Weber County North Fork Park, Picnic and Camp Area. Drive north instead of turning left toward North Fork Park. After passing Camp Lomondi stay straight when a dirt road turns right and uphill. Follow signs for "Cutler Flat Campground." Drive through the campground's recreation field to its north side. Turn right then immediately left just before the East Bowery Area.

Don't confuse it with the Ben Lomond Trail which begins at the horse corrals. The Cutler Basin Trail is more northerly of the two. The trailhead is on County property at a dirt cul-de-sac near the red steel gate. National Forest System lands begins beyond the gate.

One of the more difficult hikes in the Ogden area is Cutler Basin Trail. Hiking should be a pleasurable experience, a field trip with Mother Nature. This one folks, is hard work! But then, hard work should bring it's own rewards. If this is the case, Culter Basin Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Ogden area.

The trail is a steep climb for 3.0 miles and joins the Ben Lomond Trail just south of Culter Springs. The vertical ascent is 2,300 feet and rocky. Near the junction of the Ben Lomond Trail is a side trail that goes west to Cutler Spring. Cutler Basin is a high mountain basin formed by Ben Lomond and Willard Peaks. You can return on Ben Lomond Trail or hike up to Ben Lomond Peak. Allow a full day for the hike. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a lunch.

In the rough terrain of the Wasatch, the early Forest Rangers were expected to know all aspects of their District. They traveled exclusively on horseback enduring all kinds of diverse situations. Until 1950, Rangers were expected to spend 100 days per year on horseback often exploring these trails.

These mountains are some of the most interesting found in the Ogden Valley for unique terrain and history. West and north of Ben Lomond Peak lies Maguire Canyon, named for an early botonist. The Canyon, as well as an endangered plant hold his name sake, Maguire Rockcress. The plant may be found on talus slopes and rocky outcrops between 5,400 and 8,700 feet elevation.

The trail offers remarkable views of Ben Lomond and Willard Peaks, and there are some outstanding rock formations.

Winter use:Weber County North Fork Park is a popular beginning and intermediate cross-country skiing trail because it offers a variety of loops and one-way trails. It is partially wooded and is crossed by streams and beaver ponds. By climbing a short distance, you can get a good view of Ogden Valley and reach some good skiing terrain. Watch for avalanche areas in the upper reaches. The park is used by snowmobiles.

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