Cirque Pass
Peak · 12,047 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Cirque Pass sits at 12,047 feet in the Eastern Sierra, a high alpine crossing exposed to sustained westerly wind. Winter and spring approach via snow-choked ridgelines; summer and fall offer the most stable conditions.
Wind dominates here. The 30-day average of 12 mph understates afternoon gusts that frequently exceed 30 mph and have reached 46 mph. Expect calm early morning windows and rising wind by mid-day. Temperature averages 19 degrees Fahrenheit over the rolling month, dropping to 5 degrees in the coldest stretches of winter.
Over the last 30 days, Cirque Pass averaged a NoGo Score of 37.0, with conditions ranging from optimal (9.0) to poor (65.0). Wind averaged 12 mph but spiked to 46 mph on the hardest days. The week ahead shows typical spring volatility. Plan for early-season snowpack instability and afternoon wind acceleration.
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About Cirque Pass
Cirque Pass is a 12,047-foot alpine saddle in the Eastern Sierra, sitting on the ridge line east of the Inyo National Forest's high peaks. Access is via Highway 395 from the south (Lone Pine) or north (Bishop), with trailheads scattered across the high country between 10,500 and 11,500 feet. No road climbs directly to the pass; all approach is by foot or horse, typically a 6 to 8 hour day from the nearest motor access. The nearest resupply is in Lone Pine or Bishop. Winter and early spring routes are snow-dependent; check ESAC (Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center) forecast before committing to any winter crossing.
Cirque Pass sits in the most wind-exposed tier of the Eastern Sierra. The rolling 30-day average wind of 12 mph masks consistent afternoon acceleration; gusts regularly climb into the 30 to 40 mph range, and the rolling maximum of 46 mph is not unusual for windy spells. Temperature averages 19 degrees Fahrenheit, with winter lows dropping to 5 degrees and occasional summer highs reaching 32 degrees. Crowding remains minimal; the rolling 30-day average of 2.0 reflects the pass's remoteness and technical access. Spring (April through May) brings the most volatile conditions: snowpack instability, rapid afternoon wind, and fast-changing barometric pressure. Late September through October offers the most stable weather window, with cold nights but calm morning hours and lower overall wind.
Cirque Pass suits experienced mountaineers, backcountry skiers in spring and early summer, and ridge runners who relish exposed high-altitude travel. Expect solitude; the low base popularity and minimal crowding mean you will rarely see other parties. Wind is the governing constraint; calm early mornings are essential. Plan to be off the pass by early afternoon. Winter and spring travelers must be avalanche-aware; terrain on both approaches holds steep slopes that slide under rapid temperature swings and high wind loading. Bring high-wind shelter, gaiters, and insulating layers even in summer. Water sources are seasonal and unreliable above 11,000 feet.
The Eastern Sierra corridor offers adjacent high passes (Keeler, Forester, Union) within a day's range. Cirque Pass is colder, windier, and more exposed than many peak approaches in the range. If afternoon wind proves insurmountable, early morning attempts on calmer days yield better odds. For winter travel, compare conditions and avalanche hazard across the corridor; ESAC forecasts cover the entire region and should guide your choice of pass and timing.