Yosemite National Park and Hoover Wilderness
- Length: 48-mile loop
- Duration: 5-6 days
- Highlights: A 48-mile loop through Yosemite’s northern section showcasing glacial-fed alpine lakes, towering granite peaks, and meadows bursting with wildflowers. Starting on the less-traveled eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the route follows the Pacific Crest Trail for 14 miles along the backside of the loop, giving adventurers a taste of the Sierra section of the PCT.
- What’s unique: This route includes PCT miles 963.2 (Burro Pass Junction) to 977.4 (Buckeye Pass Junction).
- Difficulty: Hard. Ideal for seasoned hikers seeking a remote adventure with stunningly diverse scenery, this loop presents a rewarding challenge with ±10,000 feet of elevation gain and multiple mountain passes.
- Season: Summer
- Special Note: Bear canisters are required
Permits and Requirements:
- The majority of this hike is in Yosemite National Park; however, the itinerary starts and ends in the Hoover Wilderness at the Robinson Creek Trailhead.
- Permit: A permit is required for this hike. Permits can be reserved in advance via the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Wilderness. Choose Robinson Creek Trailhead as your entry point.
- Bear Canister: Required for all overnight trips in Yosemite to store food and scented items.
Other:
- I had no cell reception at any point during this hike, including at the Robinson Creek Trailhead. If you need to stay in touch with loved ones, consider bringing a Garmin InReach or a similar device. Otherwise, I recommend fully unplugging and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.
- While it’s very possible to complete this hike in 4 nights/5 days, I highly recommend you consider extending it to 5 nights/6 days and camping at Smedberg Lake. Not only was Smedberg my favorite lake on the entire trip, but it also offers a shorter day in the middle of the hike, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore, relax, and truly soak in the beauty of nature – you won’t regret it!
Below is the detailed log of my personal experience on this hike. We did the loop counterclockwise, over 5 nights and 6 days. We hiked in mid-July and experienced late afternoon thunderstorms, were immersed in a spectacular display of wildflowers, mosquitos were at a minimum, water sources were abundant, and PCT hikers were heading North.
Day 1: Robinson Creek Trailhead to Peeler Lake
- Distance: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: +3,300 feet
- Highlights: The trail begins with a steady climb along Robinson Creek, passing lush meadows and Barney Lake, which makes for the perfect lunch stop on day 1. Peeler Lake, set at ~9,500 feet, offers crystal-clear waters and expansive views.
- Camp: Peeler Lake’s shoreline is a serene spot to enjoy your first night.
Day 2: Peeler Lake to Benson Lake
- Distance: 10 miles
- Elevation Gain: +800 feet
- Highlights: Stunning alpine meadows full of wildflowers lead you to the shores of Benson Lake, famed for its sandy beach and stunning mountain backdrop. We had a taco dinner potluck on the beach.
- Camp: Benson Lake, a highlight of the trip with its tranquil and spacious camping areas.
Day 3: Benson Lake to Smedberg Lake
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: +1,700 feet
- Highlights: It’s a strenuous climb out of the Benson Lake but a short day so you can take your time or enjoy an afternoon swim. Smedberg Lake is a dramatic alpine setting, with glacial-fed waters reflecting the surrounding granite peaks. This was my favorite campsite on the trip, despite the massive thunderstorm that rolled in.
- Camp: Smedberg Lake’s picturesque setting is perfect for a peaceful evening.
Day 4: Smedberg Lake to Lower Matterhorn Canyon
- Distance: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: +2,000 feet
- Highlights: Hike over your first of the three big mountain passes on this loop, Benson Pass at ~10,100 ft. Descend through spectacular granite landscapes into Matterhorn Canyon along meandering creeks and lush meadows.
- Camp: Lower Matterhorn Canyon offered shelter from the afternoon storms, although admittedly it was my least favorite campsite on this trip given the sloped ground.
Day 5: Lower Matterhorn Canyon to Crown Lake
- Distance: 10 miles
- Elevation Gain: +4,400 feet
- Highlights: This was a double pass day, including both Burro Pass (11,100 ft) and Mule Pass (10,500 ft) and it felt like a never-ending uphill. Mule Pass was my favorite of the 3 passes, with babbling streams, gorgeous wildflowers, and baby mountain quail coming to say hello.
- Camp: Crown Lake provides a perfect last night under the stars, with peaceful waters and dramatic alpine views. We camped under a full moon making it even more beautiful. I was so happy to be finished with all three of the major passes.
Day 6: Crown Lake to Robinson Creek Trailhead
- Distance: 7.4 miles
- Elevation Loss: -3,300 feet
- Highlights: A long descent back to the trailhead, retracing your steps along Robinson Creek and past Barney Lake again where the day hiker traffic starts to pick up. Ignore the pain in your knees and enjoy your last moments in this pristine wilderness.
Closing Thoughts:
The Benson Lake Loop is a true gem for those seeking a challenging and scenic multi-day trek. Each day brought unique landscapes, from sandy beaches to granite basins and lush meadows. With proper preparation, including securing permits and packing a bear canister, this journey promises unforgettable experiences.
Return to home.