The Benson Lake Loop

The major section of Sawtooth Ridge as seen from Burro Pass. Try to figure out the names of the various major features. Hints are below.

Burro Pass: Sawtooth Ridge

The Benson Lake Loop, August 2002

Turning my eyes towards Sawtooth Ridge, I am reminded of a lesser, but still grand, version of the Palisades as viewed from Mather Pass. The teeth of this ridge have interesting names like Dragtooth, Three Teeth, The Doodad, Sawblade and Blacksmith Peak. "Col de Doodad" was visible above me, and I knew other passes were also hidden in the heights up there as well. Getting over the pass would be one thing, but getting down into Slide Canyon would be another test altogether.

The teeth of Sawtooth Ridge are made up of the classic Sierra white granite, and made the viewing of the alpen-glow on the ridge all the more rewarding. It is a unique section of the Sierra, and every serious backpacker-mountaineer should not miss viewing these rugged and graceful peaks.

Looking back north towards Piute Creek Canyon and Mule Pass from Burro Pass. Crown Point is on the right horizon. Note the trail below.

Walking along the ridge towards Matterhorn, I discovered there was a wide grassy joint to the east of the trail-pass. It seemed to me this was the logical place for the trail and I wondered for a while why it was not there. Then I decided the reason was that early season snow choked this natural pass while the current pass would dry out much sooner than the shaded grassy joint. It would be a great mid-season shortcut for anyone coming from the direction of Matterhorn Pass.