Location and surroundings
Cedar Benchmark is in the Cedar Mountains, within the Great Salt Lake Desert Ranges of the East Great Basin Ranges, in Utah, United States. Administratively it lies in Tooele County. At 2,351 m, it is the highest of the 17 named peaks in the range and the range high point. The surrounding country is typical Great Basin terrain: dry slopes, open ridges and broad, sparsely vegetated basins.
Neighbouring peaks
The closest named peaks and passes give a good sense of Cedar Benchmark’s position on the ridge system. It is slightly higher than Peak 7700 and much higher than the lower hills farther away.
- Peak 7700 — 2,347 m, 3.0 km south
- Tabbys Peak — 2,103 m, 9.0 km south
- Black Knoll — 1,564 m, 10.0 km southeast
- Salt Mountain — 1,835 m, 21.6 km east
- Hickman Knolls — 1,487 m, 23.4 km southeast
- Round Knoll — 1,395 m, 23.7 km east
- Hickman Knolls — 1,432 m, 24.9 km southeast
- White Rock — 1,726 m, 25.1 km south
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest nearby peaks are Peak 7180 to the north at 2,189 m, and two peaks just under that height to the south: Peak 6960 at 2,121 m and Peak 6942 at 2,116 m. Also in range are Hastings Benchmark to the north, Peak 6612 to the north, and Peak 6570 farther north. From Cedar Benchmark, these higher points and the surrounding ridges define the skyline in several directions.
The range
Cedar Benchmark belongs to the Cedar Mountains, whose high point is Cedar Benchmark itself. The range has 17 named peaks and lies within the Great Salt Lake Desert Ranges of Utah. In the range hierarchy, Cedar Benchmark is the top summit of the Cedar Mountains and the reference point for the whole group.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest a dry mountain-desert setting. At the summit, the warmest month is July at about 21 °C, and the coldest is January at about -4 °C. Mean temperatures are above freezing from March through October. The surrounding area receives about 250 mm of precipitation a year, with the wettest month in April at about 35 mm and the driest in June at about 15 mm. Expect wind, rapid weather changes and dry air.
Best time to visit
The most practical season is usually the period when summit temperatures are above freezing, which here runs from March to October. The drier stretch includes late spring and early summer, but the warmest months can bring heat on exposed slopes. For a more comfortable outing, many visitors would favour spring or autumn, when temperatures are milder and the ground is less likely to be snow-covered or excessively hot.
Nature and wildlife
The Cedar Mountains sit in a Great Basin environment, so the lower slopes are usually open and dry, with sparse shrubs, grasses and scattered rock outcrops. Higher ground tends to be more barren, with thin soils and exposed ridges. Wildlife in this kind of country commonly includes desert-adapted birds, small mammals and larger animals that move through the range between water and forage. Seasonal snow, summer heat and limited surface water shape both the vegetation and the animal life.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Cedar Benchmark, a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers, but it can be useful if you are unfamiliar with desert navigation, heat management or rough off-trail terrain. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Examples of established guiding companies working in the mountains of the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides. Some peaks in the country require permits or registration, depending on the land agency.
Safety and preparation
At 2,351 m, Cedar Benchmark is not a technical high mountain, but the terrain and climate still call for preparation. Expect long dry stretches, strong sun, wind, loose ground and limited shelter. Carry enough water, navigation tools and layers for cooler conditions on the summit and in the evening. In the United States, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 911; dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or a national park.
Interesting facts
Cedar Benchmark is the highest of the 17 named peaks in the Cedar Mountains and the range high point. It is only slightly higher than Peak 7700, which lies 3.0 km to the south at 2,347 m. The summit also sits within a broader chain that includes the Great Basin Ranges and the North American Cordillera, placing it in the interior mountain system of western North America.
FAQ
How high is Cedar Benchmark? It rises to 2,351 m.
Where is Cedar Benchmark? It is in the Cedar Mountains of Utah, United States, in Tooele County.
What range is Cedar Benchmark part of? It belongs to the Cedar Mountains, within the Great Salt Lake Desert Ranges and the wider Great Basin Ranges.
What are the nearest peaks? The closest named summit is Peak 7700, 3.0 km south. Other nearby peaks include Tabbys Peak, Black Knoll and Salt Mountain.
Is there water on the way to Cedar Benchmark? The terrain is dry and exposed, so plan to carry your own supply. For a day outing, bring about 1.5-3 litres depending on heat and route length, and treat any snowmelt or temporary runoff if you encounter it.
How long does it take to climb Cedar Benchmark? Use distance, height gain and terrain to plan conservatively. From the start of your chosen approach, the real outing may take longer than a simple map estimate.
Will my phone work on Cedar Benchmark? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On an open summit it may be better than in valleys or behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.