Dude Benchmark Peak Trail is a 11.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near North Salt Lake, Utah that offers scenic views and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Loved this hike! I started around 7am and only ran into two other hikers during the 5 hours I was hiking, so it was full of solitude. There are some stretches with some low trees that provide some slight shade. Otherwise, you’re pretty much on a ridge for the entire hike, and the views get better and better. It’s very steep for the first mile of the climb and the last mile but very chill in between. The end of the AllTrails map isn’t a super obvious place, but if you turn left and scramble slightly up, there’s a nice place to stop and enjoy the view. I’ll definitely be back to do this again, but you can easily just do part of the trail and turn around early and still get a great experience.
5/9/20 Great trail for running or biking. Starts level until the first hill, then it’s a hard slog for about the next mile. Lots of inclines and declines up to the peak. Good training.
Some hikes are fun. Some are just tough; this was the latter. Super steep start and uneven terrain throughout. No shade, bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a “can do” mentality.
Started at 6:15am to beat the heat! Definitely recommend bringing extra water - there are a few pockets of shade when you’re walking through the scrub oak, but overall you’re pretty exposed. Gorgeous views throughout. Very peaceful hike.
The first climb is fairly steep and difficult. Did not run into many bugs during the entire hike. Rewarded with solid views along the way. Bring Sun protection as there is not many shaded areas of the trail.
Dude... It was an awesome time. Got poured on, lots of wind, lots of sunshine. lots of uphill and downhill both ways. be careful if you decide to climb the rocks that are after the peak (you'll see a trail that still continues after you get to the peak). muddy in some areas but they're avoidable. most of the way was rocky and dry dirt. totalled at 13 miles for me.