Benson Lake - Matterhorn Canyon Loop Conditions

[Pbattler]

Have any of you done the standard Benson Lake - Matterhorn Canyon loop, yet, this year? My daughter and I have a trip scheduled for the first week in August, 2017. I'd like to get some insight on current conditions, following our big winter. Thanks.

[balzaccom]

By August you should be fine. The last report I saw said that the only real snow issues were on the north side of Mule Pass. Everything else was pretty clear.

[Pbattler]

Thank you.

[Pbattler]

The Benson Lake Loop trip was great! We started on August 2nd and came out August 7th, traveling counter-clockwise. Mosquitos were a bit thick in spots (Peeler Lake, in particular). We had small snow patches on Seavey Pass and Benson Pass. They were no problem. The snow was a bit more substantial on Burro Pass, and even more so on Mule Pass. None of the snow felt dangerous to me or my 17 year old daughter. We did not have ice axes or trekking poles and everything was still reasonable.

We did make several river crossings and are glad we brought camp shoes to change into for some of them.

We had afternoon thunderstorms every day, one notable hail storm, and one rainstorm that lasted all afternoon and evening.

We estimate we saw 50-60 people (many on the same loop) in the six days we were out.

Get out there and have fun!