Yosemite Forum

i have a permit for murphy creek the first week of october for 4 nights 5 days. my plan is to hike from murphy creek TH, up matterhorn canyon across burro and mule pass, down kerrick meadow to benson pass and back to murphy creek trail. the wilderness conditions page mentions avalanche debris in upper matterhorn.. anyone have more info on that? ill bring microspikes for the passes in case of snow. should i add a day for an off trail excursion somehwere? my original idea was to do the same loop starting at ten lakes, but murphy creek will be a more leisurely schedule, and ive never been to that northern area. any thoughts are appreciated!

You're tackling more miles than I ever have, so I can't really comment on your plans. IF (and that'a s big IF) there is no storm between now and then, you should be fine with snow over all the passes. Even the north side of Mule Pass can be avoided by hiking on talus nearby, not fun, but not deadly. WE did this basic loop from the east side, Twin Lakes, and it took us seven days, withouth any side trips. Matterhorn Canyon is magical.

yes ive reduced my mileage by starting at twin lakes TH, 3 or 4 nights.