Dougherty Peak
Peak · 12,247 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Dougherty Peak is a 12,247-foot alpine summit in the Eastern Sierra, sitting above the glacial basins of the Sierra crest. Typically calmer than exposed ridges further north.
Wind accelerates off the exposed ridges by early afternoon, funneling down toward the lake drainages. Morning hours offer the steadiest conditions. Expect rapid temperature swings across elevation; the peak sits 400 feet above surrounding passes and catches wind funnels from the east.
Over the last 30 days, Dougherty Peak averaged a NoGo Score of 37.0, with wind holding at 9 mph on average and temperatures near 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Scores ranged from a low of 7.0 to a high of 65.0, reflecting the volatile transition between winter stability and spring instability. The week ahead continues this variable pattern; crowding remains light at an average of 2.0, but afternoon wind gusts can exceed 27 mph.
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About Dougherty Peak
Dougherty Peak stands at 12,247 feet in the Eastern Sierra corridor, east of the main Sierra crest. The peak sits above the glacial lakes and granite cirques that drain toward Inyo County. Access typically runs via Highway 395 through the Owens Valley, with trailheads departing from the Bishop or Lone Pine areas. The approach involves exposed alpine terrain and significant elevation gain; most parties camp in the surrounding basins or stage from Bishop, roughly 45 minutes south of the peak's nearest parking.
The peak's conditions reflect classic Eastern Sierra alpine character: intense solar heating on south-facing slopes in summer, rapid cloud development by afternoon, and strong wind patterns that accelerate off the crest and pour down the eastern drainages. Winter brings sustained snowpack and avalanche terrain; spring thaw destabilizes the slopes until mid-summer. The 30-day average wind of 9 mph masks significant afternoon gusts; rolling stats show maximum wind has reached 27 mph. Temperature swings from a 365-day low of 15 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to a high of 41 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Crowding stays light year-round due to the remote approach and technical terrain; few casual hikers venture to the summit.
Dougherty Peak suits experienced mountaineers and alpine scrambling parties comfortable with exposed rock, talus navigation, and self-rescue. Spring ascents demand solid avalanche awareness; the surrounding slopes are prone to wet-slab activity as temperatures climb and snowpack destabilizes. Summer offers the most stable window, though afternoon thunderstorms and wind are routine. Parking at nearby trailheads fills quickly during weekends in July and August. Bring layers; the elevation and exposure mean conditions worsen rapidly if afternoon clouds build.
Nearby alternatives include Mount Whitney and Lone Pine Peak to the south, both more popular and with established trail infrastructure. Dougherty Peak itself sits in the less-crowded middle distance of the Eastern Sierra, offering a technical alpine experience without the crowds of the Whitney portal. For peak-baggers targeting 12,000-foot summits in the region, Dougherty provides solitude and exposed rock scrambling that rewards early-morning starts and descent before afternoon wind takes hold.