Despite the Hoover Wilderness rangers saying snow line is 10,000', there was only patchy snow south of the Sawtooth ridge on our approach and ascent. Although we practiced with crampons and ice axes, all the snow could be easily skirted on rock or was soft enough to be traversed in hiking shoes, even in early am. The Matterhorn ascent above Burro Pass on 8/16 was all rock, clear of snow, mostly Class 2/3. By exiting right off the ridge, but staying left near the top, we avoided the obvious, but loose gully, and enjoyed solid and fun granite climbing, with one short exposed traverse.
Beautiful camping and plenty of spots at the lakes below and to the west of Burro Pass (above photo). We continued east over Matterhorn Pass, difficult Class 3 on east side, using the north slab descent, with a great campsite west of and above Horse Creek Pass (base camp for the east Matterhorn ascent, no doubt). Final half day down Horse Creek, talus-hopping and following climbers trail, to Twin Lakes, making a roughly 25-mile loop with 5,500' vert.
Team members: Leader, Fred Bauman; Ultra-runner, Andy Glaze; Thirteen-year-old, Coby Huizenga; Summit acrobat, Charlie Huizenga; Vertically-challenged, Jeanne Panek.
Details and pictures at http://www.jeannepanek.com/mountains-and-musings
