The Benson Lake Loop

Looking back towards Volunteer Peak (center) in the morning light, as seen from the north trail out of Benson Lake.

Leaving Benson Lake

The Benson Lake Loop, August 2002

It did not take long to get back to the PCT junction on the level jungle trail. Turning left on the well-worn path, it was another level march north until I hit the first gain of the day. Before it began to climb, I did see a faint use trail going in the direction of the Trail Crew camp.

The un-named peak above Benson Lake. Note the glacier smoothed rock.

The trail swiftly pulled above the trees into open brush covered slopes. I liked the fact that the trail got down to business and headed directly towards its goal on well graded tread. Up ahead I could see groves of trees and an interesting point of granite dome. The breeze kept me cool and the occasional clouds provided shade but clouds in the morning in the Sierra worries me. I should have been happy that the weather kept me cool on an otherwise hot climb. But I made great time zipping up the trail, and the scenery was grand when I stopped for a breather now and then. Looking back towards Smedberg Lake and Volunteer Peak, the canyon looked impressive, but once again I was glad I was not going in that direction. The complex terrain up Piute Creek looked interesting, and would provide the ambitious cross-country mountaineer with many challenges in route-finding.