← Back to results

Benson Lake Loop

Five days into Yosemite's northern backcountry ends at a sandy beach that has no business existing in the granite Sierra.

Sierra NevadaYosemite National ParkStrenuous5 daysLoop
Miles
48
Elev gain
10,000 ft
Peak
10,560'
Best months
Late Jun - Sep

Description

If you've done the Yosemite classics and want something bigger and lonelier, this is it. Benson Lake is sometimes called the "Benson Riviera" for its sandy beach, unusual in the granite Sierra. Five days through Yosemite's northern backcountry with real solitude. You'll go hours without seeing another person. This is a route for experienced backpackers who can handle navigation, long days, and being truly remote.

Trailheads

Start: Robinson Creek Trailhead
End: Robinson Creek Trailhead

Logistics

  • Permit required: Yes (Humboldt-Toiyabe NF - recreation.gov)
  • Bear canister: Required
  • Shuttle required: No

Key features

  • alpine lakes
  • sand beach
  • granite peaks
  • meadows
  • glacial lakes
  • solitude

Day by day

Day 1
Robinson Creek TH→Crown Lake
8 mi+2,800/-500 ft gain

Water: Crown Lake, streams

Climb steadily from Robinson Creek TH through aspen and conifer into Hoover Wilderness. The grade stiffens above 9,000ft — pace yourself. Crown Lake sits in a granite bowl at 10,400ft with good camping on the east shore.

Day 2
Crown Lake→Matterhorn Canyon
12 mi+2,500/-3,200 ft gain

Water: Matterhorn Creek

Big day — cross Burro Pass (11,100ft) with views into the Sawtooth Range, then make a long descent into Matterhorn Canyon along Matterhorn Creek. Exposure above the pass can be significant in afternoon storms.

Day 3
Matterhorn Canyon→Benson Lake
10 mi+2,400/-3,200 ft gain

Water: Wilson Creek, Benson Lake

Drop through lower Matterhorn Canyon, cross Return Creek, then work northwest to Benson Lake via Wilson Creek. Benson's famous white sand beach — the largest in the Sierra — is waiting at the end. Worth a swim.

Day 4
Benson Lake→Peeler Lake
10 mi+2,700/-800 ft gain

Water: Peeler Lake, streams

Climb northeast over Seavey Pass (9,150ft) — steady switchbacks up from Kerrick Canyon. Peeler Lake sits just across the Yosemite/Hoover Wilderness boundary; camp on the north shore for morning shade.

Day 5
Peeler Lake→Robinson Creek TH
8 mi+600/-3,000 ft gain

Water: Robinson Creek

Long downhill return along Robinson Creek through Twin Lakes. The resort area below Twin Lakes marks the edge of the wilderness — trail becomes a road the final mile. Keep your pace up ahead of the afternoon storm window.

Side trips

Robinson Lakes, Crown Point sunset views

Notes

Permit is Humboldt-Toiyabe NF (not Yosemite); camp night before at Annett's Mono Village; snow possible on passes early season

You must be signed in to download. GPX downloads are tracked to measure how often routes are used.