SKULLCRACK TRAIL
Access: South end of Causey Dam
Elevation: Beginning: 5,800 feet Ending: 5,900 feet
Length: 2.4 miles one-way
Use: Light- Hiking, Horses, Mountain Bike
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: Middle spring to fall
USGS Map: Causey Dam
Directions: To the south of Causey Reservoir is the Skull Crack Trail. Cross the dam and park at the south end of the reservoir. Head north from the parking area to begin your hike or bike ride. This trail is narrow so watch for other people when riding mountain bikes.
The trail provides outstanding scenery along the reservoir. It's a short day hike and excellent for your first time out. There is a small dispersed camping site at the end of the trail. The only other access is by canoe. Along the trail you will see the remains of an old shelter and bench. This was built years ago to enjoy the spectacular view but didn't make it through the heavy snowfalls in the mid 1980's.
Look back toward the reservoir and you will have an excellent view of Ogden Valley and the South Fork of the Ogden River.
Fishing is very popular around Causey Reservoir. Geological formations and steep rocky cliffs are abundant in the area. The canyon gives way to Aspen and mixed conifer and oak brush which are excellent forage for big game. Causey Dam was named after Thomas Causey who operated a saw mill at Causey Creek and the South Fork. It was constructed from 1962 until 1966.
The story has it that James Slater and Marinus Johansen were up the Canyon hunting many years ago. One of the mules became unruly so Johansen hit the mule over the head with his gun barrel. He cracked the mule's skull, thus, we have Skull Crack Canyon.
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