The Benson Lake Loop

As you get into Wilson Creek canyon, you are greeted with a lot of scenery like this. Note the trail. This is looking up-canyon near the canyon entrance.

Wilson Creek Canyon

The Benson Lake Loop, August 2002

I picked up some water here at Wilson Creek (noting the signs of early season crossing to avoid a possibly harder one on the trail ahead) and forged ahead. The trail remained in forest before crossing the stream (probably swift, narrow and wet early season), but I was on the cusp of 9000 feet where the trees begin to thin. This section was mostly a pleasant walk in the park with interesting glacial canyon walls, small picturesque groves of trees, and probably a riot of flowers at the proper time of the season.

The only problem with this stretch of trail was the lack of water in late season. The creek, whenever the trail was actually near it, was mostly dry, with a pool or two from which one could filter water. Beyond Benson Pass, it was even drier. Make sure you have plenty of water for this stretch if you are doing this late season.

At about the crossing into 9000 feet the trail again crossed the creek and began to climb, gradually getting steeper and steeper in shaded forest. The trail got to be downright arduous with few or no switchbacks as it approached the last crossing of Wilson Creek with its little surprise. Once the creek was crossed (probably another wet one early season), it crossed an almost manicured meadow-lawn in very pleasant surroundings. This little paradise had a small camp, so I sat down for a break and a snack, and I would be glad I did.

Here in Wilson Creek Canyon is where the trail reaches a little meadow and heads west towards Benson Pass. Camps are nearby. The trail mounts the ridge ahead on a bunch of switchbacks. You can see the trail going from right to left towards the trees.

I like these little islands of perfection. Great camping, and a perfect spot for a base-camp or starting point for exploring the upper reaches of Wilson Creek, Camp Creek, Slide Canyon Creek and the multitude of lakes and streams, large and small. It was well over 9000 feet there, so the trees were sparse enough to allow easy cross-country travel.