North Yosemite starting 7/29

[holz]

Hi all,

I am going to be doing a loop out of the Hoover Wilderness. Matterhorn --> Rodgers --> Smedberg, etc.

Any advice? We have up to 8 days to make the loop. From my research it looks pretty comfortable in 5. Any worthwhile side trips? Where should we spend a layover day? Is Matterhorn worth the effort from Burro Pass? Any other baggable peaks that are recommended on the route? Any lakes that are a reasonable cross-country effort (I'm experienced in cross-country route finding, but generally stick to trails) near the route?

And it wouldn't be me if I didn't ask what we should expect from the lovely Sierra mosquitoes. . . . Given the unusual season, I'm sorta expecting something between awful and just plain brutal, but would appreciate any thoughts on the topic. Has anyone been in the area recently? Anyone going just before me?

Thanks!

[bill-e-g]

You probably have heard me say this 100 times now.

But I'll say it again.
Go up Volunteer Peak.

Matt. from Burro... some say you are already there. hmmph.
I know I was pulling myself up class 3 stuff when I went up...
refusing to go up the scree/gravel field (came down it though).
Give it a try.

The Slide. Kicks arse IMO.

Surprise Lake is very very easy from Smedberg.

Maybe go up the knob NW from Murdock... great view of Benson.

Love Rodgers! (aww. heck... I think there's nothing in Yose I don't)

Have fun

[holz]

Is the view from the top of Matt worth the effort?

The slide?

May I camp comfortably at surprise lake?

I haven't been up Volunteer, but went up one of the other peaks near Rodgers. Will make a point of Volunteer this year.

Thanks for the tips as always Bill. You been in that area yet this year?

[bill-e-g]

Is the view from the top of Matt worth the effort?

The slide?

May I camp comfortably at surprise lake?

I haven't been up Volunteer, but went up one of the other peaks near Rodgers. Will make a point of Volunteer this year.

Thanks for the tips as always Bill. You been in that area yet this year?

Take a look at this if you haven't already:
http://www.yosemite.ca.us/forum/viewtopic.php?t=855&

Top of Matt is spectacular.

Surprise Lake - There's loads of spots at Smedberg... uh.. only spent
a couples hours and Surprise myself. not sure if it would meet
your requirements... I'd recommend dayhiking up and checking it out.

I haven't been in the area this year yet... heck, haven't even done
anything out of Hetchy Hetchy yet... so many other places to explore...

[holz]

Hi all,

I'm heading out Wed (yes, I know the post says 7/29. . . and Wed is 7/28). Has anyone been over Burro, Rock Island or Benson Passes this year?

They should be pretty close to snow line so was wondering if we might have some surprises as we move along our route.

Got 8 days of wilderness coming up! Woot!