Skullcrack Canyon

 

We were heading up to Ogden today so while up there we looked around for a hike to do. Causey Reservoir didn’t seem much further so we decided to go for it.

Now don’t let the name frighten you. Apparently it was named for how a farmer killed a sheep, not because someone fell and cracked their skull. haha. To get here go up Ogden Canyon, past Pineview Reservoir continue up st route 39 to Causey Reservoir. Take the right fork over the dam, and continue all the way to the small parking lot. Ignore the inviting waters of the reservoir and take the trail up.

We actually went up Weber Canyon, but it is easier to describe how to get there from Ogden Canyon.

Pretty backcountry valleys. (DBP)

Pineview Reservoir (DBP)

Cool redrock. (DBP)

The dam. (DBP)

We took a wrong turn and were going around the wrong side of the reservoir at first. (DBP)

It was over 100 degrees today, I knew this hike was by the reservoir. And even though part of the reason I selected this particular hike was I was hoping it was high up enough that it would be cooler up here. It was not. Why oh WHY did I not bring a swimsuit? It looks so inviting!

The trail head. 2.3 miles should be doable.

More redrock.

Pretty wildflowers.

The first part of the trail follows this arm of the reservoir and doesn’t offer any shade. The water is really looking inviting. I actually managed a shot without people in it.

I think this is a sego lily.

The trail starts heading up and you cross into red sand.

Higher up, into the woods and you get a nice higher view of the reservoir. Causey, much like Pine View and well, a lot of reservoirs in Utah is in the middle of several canyons so it has a funky multiple arm/fire shape.

The red sand turns into grey sand at this point.

You get a couple lovely views between the trees.

Cool rock formations.

The trail gets quite a bit thinner.

More wildflowers.

We saw a lot of these random hawks? Definitely some sort of raptor all black with red heads. Really pretty. Sorry terrible shot, didn’t bring the telephoto lens.

Cool rock formations. I like the one the looks like a castle turret.

The trails opens up again.

Trees and clouds.

The trail is starting to get really thin.

Pretty view below.

Budding.

Better view of the turret rock.

and with a view of the trail.

I like these wildflowers.

The water is a pretty color from up here.

At this point the trail was just not shaded enough for us, we were both fairly miserable in the heat, and well we did have an obligation to be somewhere. It is a beautiful trail and I would love to continue but it is time to head back. I turned on my pedometer for the return trip and we got almost halfway at .85 miles.

Our footprints.

hawks above the hillside.

Beautiful!

Woodsie.

Indian paint brush.

Itty bitty butterfly.

More flowers.

View below.

Big wildflower!

With one little bloom.

Nice lighting on these pretties.

Pretty view below.

Cliff divers. Man that looks fun! You can just make the guy out in the trees doing a flip.

Getting back down to the reservoir levels.

I decided to go see how the water felt. It was perfect!

Pretty view towards the trail head.

Better shot of the dam, lined with cars. I can’t believe they allow people to park on it. (DBP)

 

Causey from the dam. (DBP)

View driving down. (DBP)

Old barn. (DBP)

Pineview Reservoir. (DBP)

We got caught in some destruction coming down Ogden Canyon. Oi.

But while we were stopped I got a shot of the cliffs above.

General path. You start on red, green is where we stopped, but it continues on to the that upper tip on the left.

Overall I don’t think I can fairly rate this trail. It was hot as hell, and we didn’t finish it. I will say the portion we did, the sounds of people enjoying the lake were always there so the getting away from other humans aspect is gone. It was absolutely gorgeous with loads of wildflowers, and astounding views. We only ran into a couple of other hikers, and who knows what we missed by not completing it. I did enjoy it, but I don’t think I would return just to do this. If you happen to be recreating in the area and want an additional activity, I’d say go for it, otherwise, don’t waste the gas. Guess I am sitting at a 6. Probably a lot more enjoyable on a cooler day, or ending it with a nice dip in the lake.

As for difficulty, I will go with a DR3. It was fairly flat and easy, other than being open to the sun for the most part. Mild elevation gain, some rocky sections, some high steep drop offs, but for the most part not too bad.