On December 5, 1976 myself and Stan Haye did a six mile round trip day hike from the Kearsarge Pass Trail to Matlock and Bench Lakes. We left the Onion Valley roadhead about 9:30 a.m. and stopped at Gilbert Lake about 11:00 for snacks, then on to the ridge above Matlock Lake and on up to Bench Lake where we arrived shortly before 1 p.m. and had lunch and a nap. We then headed back to the car, arriving about 3:30 p.m. There was a little snow and ice but hardly enough to notice. The weather was very pleasant and we enjoyed the hike.
Bench Lake, University Peak - Kearsarge Pass 1976
Bench Lake, University Peak - Kearsarge Pass 1976
On July 23, 1978 myself and Jim Meadowcroft did a day hike from the Kearsarge Pass Trail to Matlock and Bench Lakes. After dumping off a couple of hitch-hikers from Iowa on a backpack to Tuolumne Meadows, we headed up the Kearsarge Pass trail. From Gilbert Lake we cut across to Matlock Lake and Slim Lake, then cross-country to Bench Lake for lunch. Then cross-country to Heart Lake and down to Flower Lake and the trail back to the car. Very pleasant and relaxed day hike.
University Peak from Kearsarge Pass Trail - Kearsarge Pass 1978
University Peak from Kearsarge Pass Trail - Kearsarge Pass 1978
University Peak from Kearsarge Pass Trail - Kearsarge Pass 1978
University Peak from Kearsarge Pass Trail - Kearsarge Pass 1978
Matlock and Slim Lakes - Kearsarge Pass 1978
Bench Lake - Kearsarge Pass 1978
Bench Lake - Kearsarge Pass 1978
Flower and Gilbert Lakes - Kearsarge Pass 1978