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Matterhorn Canyon Benson Lake Loop Yosemite National Park

Enter the splendor of Yosemite National Park through the back door of Hoover Wilderness in the Eastern Sierra Mountains on this 5-day 50-mile backpack with 15 miles of it on the PCT. Expect sunny days, granite peaks, beautiful lakes, meadows and few people.

The Matterhorn Canyon, Benson Lake Loop, is 49 miles with under 11,000' of gain over 5 days (4 nights). With mountain passes as high as 10,600' and campsites between 8,000 - 9,500', it's a challenging but beautiful loop hike.  Below is a brief itinerary:

Day 1: Robinson Creek Trailhead to Crown Lake in the Hoover Wilderness. Hike 8 miles, 2700' of gain. Camp at 9,500'. Pass Barney Lake along the way. Relax at beautiful Crown Lake.

Day 2:  Crown Lake to Matterhorn Canyon. 13 miles, 2650' of gain, 3400' loss, highest point is 10,661'. Camp at 8,477'. Enter Yosemite at Mule pass. Hike over Burro pass. Camp in the canyon near a stream.

Day 3: Matterhorn to Benson Lake: 10 miles. 2100' gain, 3000' loss. Hike over Benson pass. Enjoy lunch at beautiful Smedberg Lake and camp at Benson Lake at 7,600'.

Day 4: Benson Lake to Peeler Lake:  10 miles. 2450' gain, 500' loss.  Hike over Seavey Pass at 10,100'. Re-enter Hoover Wilderness and camp at Peeler Lake at 9,500'.  

Day 5: Peeler Lake to Robinson Trailhead.  8 miles. 350' gain, 2700' loss. 

  • Difficulty: Very Strenuous
  • Length: 50.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 10,100 ft
  • 10,661 ft
  • Land Manager: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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  • National Geographic
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  • Benson Lake Matterhorn Loop
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