This route links the four peaks that form an impressive horseshoe at the head of Spiller Canyon: Matterhorn Peak, Whorl Mountain, Twin Peaks, and Virginia Peak. Along with the Sawtooth Ridge extending northwest from Matterhorn Peak, this is the northernmost block of Sierra peaks to exceed 12,000 ft. Matterhorn Peak is the highest in the Sawtooth Ridge, which is commonly considered the northern beginning of the High Sierra, and is one of just 15 of the SPS Emblem Peaks. Just south, Whorl Peak provides a gem of a Class 3 scramble, and is one of the 35 SPS Mountaineer's Peaks. Virginia Peak along with the highest of the bunch Twin Peaks are composed of much darker rock, and loom more dark and forbidding. All this to say that each is a worthwhile adventure on its own, but combining all four makes for an impressive outing! The peaks can be linked in any order by any route starting from Twin Lakes TH.
Comments
I originally posted the route with the idea of having the time start from the summit of the first peak that you reach, and end on the fourth peak that you reach, to allow for approaching from any direction and exiting any direction, or allowing for an overnight base camp in beautiful spiller canyon. This was inspired from a day starting at Twin Lakes, hitting these four summits, and exiting out Saddlebag lake (~4 hrs 4 min peak1 to peak4). This posted version is the more sensical version given the starting and ending from a designated trailhead. Either way, this 'horseshoe' of peaks is a gem of Northern Yosemite. Excited to do it again!