Horse Cr. Pass to Matterhorn Cyn. Loop vs. HCP to Kerrick Cy
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:21 pm
Background info.: Level 3 backpacker with 15 years of experience, including the JMT. Comfortable with easy class 2. Horse Creek Pass will be one of the tougher passes that we have done. Don't laugh!
I have a permit to go up Horse Creek Canyon (near Twin Lakes, adjacent to the Sawtooth peaks) to the pass (Day 1) and down Spiller Creek to the PCT (Day 2). At that point, I am trying to decide whether to head up Matterhorn Canyon and exit out to Twin Lakes, or hit Smedberg Lake and Kerrick Canyon and out to Twin Lakes. I am looking for dramatic scenery, less skeeters, and more dirt trail than rock stair steps (Have seen them first hand from the valley to the falls in Yosemite). Having searched the older posts, I am guessing the Matterhorn Canyon option may fit the bill, but I want to get some comfirmation from the Yosemite veterans.
Also, would you camp at the Spiller Creek/PCT junction or keep going to Miller Lake (or Fishhook Lake) on Night 2? Would you camp at the tarns just west of Burro Pass or further west along the trail in the valley between Burro and Mule Passes for Night 3?
I appreciate any advice and feedback. I will be posting a trail report with pics late next week. Our trip is Friday through Monday or Tuesday.
I have a permit to go up Horse Creek Canyon (near Twin Lakes, adjacent to the Sawtooth peaks) to the pass (Day 1) and down Spiller Creek to the PCT (Day 2). At that point, I am trying to decide whether to head up Matterhorn Canyon and exit out to Twin Lakes, or hit Smedberg Lake and Kerrick Canyon and out to Twin Lakes. I am looking for dramatic scenery, less skeeters, and more dirt trail than rock stair steps (Have seen them first hand from the valley to the falls in Yosemite). Having searched the older posts, I am guessing the Matterhorn Canyon option may fit the bill, but I want to get some comfirmation from the Yosemite veterans.
Also, would you camp at the Spiller Creek/PCT junction or keep going to Miller Lake (or Fishhook Lake) on Night 2? Would you camp at the tarns just west of Burro Pass or further west along the trail in the valley between Burro and Mule Passes for Night 3?
I appreciate any advice and feedback. I will be posting a trail report with pics late next week. Our trip is Friday through Monday or Tuesday.