Hinman Col
Peak · 12,953 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Hinman Col sits at 12,953 feet in the Eastern Sierra, a high pass between peaks with avalanche terrain and sustained wind exposure. Approach primarily from the north via Bishop and Highway 395.
Wind funnels across the col consistently, averaging 12 mph over the past month with gusts to 46 mph. Morning hours offer the calmest conditions before thermal and pressure-driven afternoon acceleration. Expect snow coverage and avalanche hazard through spring; stable ground travel requires a stable snowpack or full melt-out.
The 30-day average score of 37 reflects a marginal location for most activities; the col's 12 mph average wind and 19 degree average temperature keep it in the harsh zone. The week ahead follows typical spring patterns of warming days and stronger afternoon flow. Watch the ESAC avalanche forecast closely if snowpack remains.
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About Hinman Col
Hinman Col is a high alpine pass at 12,953 feet in California's Sierra Nevada, situated in the Eastern Sierra corridor east of the main crest. The col connects drainages on either side and sits in the realm of serious mountaineering and ski touring rather than casual hiking. Access is primarily from the north via Bishop on Highway 395, with a drive of roughly 45 miles to trailheads in the Inyo National Forest. The approach is technical and typically undertaken by experienced parties in winter and spring conditions. The col itself lies in ESAC avalanche terrain; parties must assess current snowpack stability through the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center before departure.
Hinman Col experiences high alpine weather year-round. The 30-day average wind of 12 mph masks significant afternoon gusts that regularly exceed 30 mph; the past month's maximum wind reached 46 mph. Average temperature hovers at 19 degrees Fahrenheit over the rolling 30-day window, with annual extremes ranging from 5 degrees to 32 degrees. Winter and spring see persistent snow; melt typically begins in late spring and accelerates through early summer. Summer weeks see calmer wind and warmer afternoons, though exposure remains extreme. Fall cooling and early snow arrival shorten the stable-travel window after early September. Crowds are minimal; base popularity is 0.2, meaning few parties venture here outside of organized ski touring and mountaineering seasons.
Hinman Col is suited for experienced ski mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and high-altitude climbers. Parties approach primarily in winter and spring when stable snow allows efficient travel and when ESAC forecasts favour stable slopes. Summer ascents are possible but require scrambling or dry climbing. Wind and cold are the dominant hazards outside of avalanche; afternoon thermal wind can become dangerous to exposed parties. Parking and trailhead access depend on Forest Service road conditions and snow coverage; check current closures through the Inyo National Forest website. Most parties spend multiple days in the high country and camp at established sites below the col.
Nearby peaks and cols in the Eastern Sierra offer similar high-alpine character with varying avalanche exposure and access complexity. Matterhorn Peak and Thunderbolt Peak lie to the north and west and are frequented by the same user base. The col sits roughly 10 miles south of the Bishop Creek drainages, which see higher traffic but offer more developed trailheads. Comparison to Yosemite's Mono Pass or Sonora Pass reveals that Hinman Col attracts fewer parties, has steeper approach terrain, and demands stronger avalanche literacy. Winter ascents should be coordinated with local climbing and skiing clubs that regularly visit the area.