Cinder Col
Peak · 12,060 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Cinder Col is a 12,060 ft peak in the Eastern Sierra's high alpine zone, sitting between major drainages and facing persistent afternoon winds. Access requires high-elevation approaches from Highway 395 corridors.
Wind dominates Cinder Col's character. Morning hours are calm; by midday, thermals and gap winds build steadily. The 30-day average wind is 11 mph, but gusts hit 44 mph regularly. Temperature stays well below freezing on average (21°F), and snowpack through spring can harbor unstable slab terrain. Plan for alpine exposure.
Over the last 30 days, Cinder Col averaged a NoGo Score of 37, with temperature holding at 21°F and average wind at 11 mph. The gap between calm mornings (scores in the single digits) and afternoon wind events (scores climbing to 65) is sharp. The week ahead will track similar patterns: favor early starts, watch for afternoon wind spikes, and assess avalanche bulletin status before any approach.
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About Cinder Col
Cinder Col crowns the high spine between the Inyo and Sierra Nevada massifs, accessed primarily from the Highway 395 corridor near Bishop or Independence. The peak sits at 12,060 ft in full alpine terrain with minimal shelter. Most approaches involve a High Sierra trailhead push or scramble from adjacent passes. The base popularity is low (0.2), meaning the site sees sparse traffic compared to roadside alternatives. Nearest towns with services are Bishop to the south and Lone Pine to the south. The col itself lies in avalanche terrain tracked by the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC).
Cinder Col's weather pattern is shaped by its high elevation and exposure to jet-stream winds funneling down the eastern Sierra escarpment. The 30-day average temperature of 21°F means snow lingers year-round on aspect-dependent slopes. Wind is the dominant driver: the 30-day average of 11 mph masks wild swings; gusts reach 44 mph in standard conditions, and wind can spike unexpectedly in afternoons. Crowding averages 2 (very light), but spring weekends near Highway 120 opening dates can see small pulses of traffic. Conditions are typically calmest in early morning hours; by noon, thermal wind builds. Late afternoon is usually the worst window for wind exposure.
Cinder Col suits alpinists and peak baggers with winter-spring mountaineering skills. This is not a casual day-hike destination. Visitors planning for this peak must carry avalanche awareness; the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center publishes bulletins that should drive timing decisions in spring and early summer when snowpack is active. Experienced parties plan for pre-dawn starts to clear the col before afternoon wind develops. Parking at trailheads is typically uncrowded. The sparse traffic (base popularity 0.2) means no permit hassles and no queues, but also no social buffering; weather and snowpack stability are make-or-break factors. Bring sun protection, extra layers, and water; the high elevation and sparse shelter mean exposure compounds quickly.
Nearby peaks in the Eastern Sierra corridor offer similar elevations and wind regimes but may have slightly different snowpack stability or access. Compare Cinder Col's 30-day NoGo Score average of 37 with neighbours at similar elevation to gauge relative wind and stability. The Highway 395 corridor base towns (Bishop, Independence, Lone Pine) are working gateways with limited lodging; plan accordingly for multi-day approaches. Spring conditions in the high Sierra are unstable; check ESAC bulletins and verify snowpack structure before committing.