Horn Col
Peak · 11,318 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Horn Col is an 11,318-foot pass in California's Eastern Sierra, sitting between the high basins east of the Sierra crest. A remote alpine crossing, it funnels wind and receives significant snow.
Wind accelerates through the col, especially in afternoons when thermal circulation off the lower basins strengthens. Morning calm typically lasts until mid-day. Cold persists year-round at elevation; the 30-day average temperature sits at 30°F. Expect rapid weather shifts.
Over the last 30 days, Horn Col averaged a NoGo Score of 37.0 with an average wind of 8.0 mph, though gusts have reached 28.0 mph. The coming week shows typical spring variability. Watch for wind acceleration in the afternoon hours and lingering snow patches above 11,000 feet.
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About Horn Col
Horn Col connects the Inyo County high desert to the crest-straddling routes of the Eastern Sierra corridor. The pass sits at 11,318 feet on the crest between the Mono Basin and the Inyo/Kern divide. Primary access via Highway 395 runs through Lone Pine or Big Pine, then via trailhead approaches into the high Sierra backcountry. No maintained road crosses the col; foot and pack stock traffic only. The pass is reached from the east via the Taboose Creek or Tungsten Canyon drainages, or from the west via High Sierra Trail segments.
Horn Col's climate is shaped by high elevation and crest exposure. The 30-day average temperature of 30°F reflects persistent cold; 365-day extremes range from 17°F to 44°F. Snow lingers into late spring and returns by early fall. The 30-day average wind of 8.0 mph masks afternoon acceleration. Gusts have reached 28.0 mph in the rolling period. Crowding remains light at an average of 2.0 across the 30-day window, reflecting the remote approach and technical terrain. Summer sees brief traffic increases; winter and early spring access depends on snow and avalanche conditions.
Horn Col suits experienced high-Sierra backpackers comfortable with off-trail navigation, steep scree, and snow-dependent routefinding. The col is not a destination hike but a connector used by those linking multi-day traverses. Avalanche terrain surrounds the approach gullies; Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center forecasts are mandatory for spring and fall travel. Bring map and compass; cell coverage is absent. Afternoon wind is the primary daily hazard; calm mornings are essential for safe passage. Parties typically cross by mid-morning to avoid gusts.
Nearby peaks and passes include Tungsten Peak to the north and the Inyo Crest Trail to the south. The Taboose Pass drainage lies east and offers an alternative high-country route. Hikers comfortable with crest crossings but seeking marked trail should consider Kearsarge Pass or Baxter Pass further north. Horn Col rewards those seeking true Sierra remoteness and self-sufficiency.