The Benson Lake Loop

One of the finer views of the area, from what I call "Rodgers Pass". Regulation Peak soars above all ahead. Pettit Peak is on the left. Beyond, more lakes and pristine cross-country.  I took the picture below from those trees ahead. You can tell this trail is not the PCT...

"Rodgers Pass"

The Benson Lake Loop, August 2002

This spot over Rodgers Lake requires special mention for its own sake. Looking back, there was a grand view of the area between Rancheria Creek and Piute Creek, with its many bare granite domes and summits. From here, the flat-sided Volunteer Peak looks like an easy climb (class 2 from this point), and looks like it would give the best overall view of the entire area from its summit.

From "Rodgers Pass", a look back at Volunteer Peak, which looks climbable from this direction. Note the trail.

Up ahead the narrow track passed through the grassy level broad summit to a group of picturesque lone trees, which only serve to frame the massive Regulation Peak beyond. Once I reached the trees, I was gifted with an even better view of beautiful Rodgers Lake at the foot of Regulation Peak. Here I dropped my pack for pictures and snacks, and it seemed to me that my surroundings certainly seemed well worth the effort of .6 miles and 380 feet of climbing from the trail junction.