Mount Cedric Wright
Peak · 12,362 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Mount Cedric Wright is a 12,362-foot peak in the Eastern Sierra, sitting above the Inyo National Forest east of the Sierra crest. Wind exposure and winter snow pack dominate the planning window here.
Strong afternoon winds funnel across the exposed ridgeline, typically gusting to 40 mph by mid-day. Morning calm gives way to sustained westerly flow by noon. Winter brings sustained cold and avalanche terrain; spring snow is unstable on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Wind and temperature swings are steeper than sheltered lake basins to the west.
Over the past 30 days, Mount Cedric Wright averaged a NoGo Score of 37 with temperatures around 25 degrees and average wind of 13 mph. The week ahead shows the typical spring pattern: cold mornings, afternoon wind intensification, and variable crowding as snow access fluctuates. Check ESAC avalanche forecasts before any winter approach.
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About Mount Cedric Wright
Mount Cedric Wright sits in the high Eastern Sierra corridor, accessible from US Highway 395 via the Onion Valley Road (County Road 427) near Independence, California. The peak stands 12,362 feet and commands the crest between Inyo and Kern Counties. The standard approach crosses high-alpine terrain with limited water and full sun exposure once above treeline. Independence and Lone Pine are the nearest supply towns; allow 1 to 2 hours drive from Highway 395 to the trailhead. The peak sees low year-round popularity (base popularity 0.2) and sits in avalanche terrain managed by the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center.
Winter and spring dominate the hazard calendar. Over the past 30 days, average temperature has held at 25 degrees Fahrenheit with maximum winds reaching 40 mph. The 365-day range spans from 10 degrees minimum to 37 degrees maximum. Late-lying snow persists well into June above 11,000 feet; south-facing slopes stabilize faster than north-facing terrain. Afternoon wind is the signature liability: average wind of 13 mph climbs reliably to 30 to 40 mph gusts between noon and sunset. Summer and early fall (late August through September) offer the most stable conditions with lower wind and warmer temperatures, but afternoon patterns remain consistent.
Mount Cedric Wright suits experienced mountaineers comfortable with scrambling, exposed ridgelines, and self-rescue logistics. Parties should plan for early morning starts to avoid afternoon wind and route-finding challenges in poor visibility. Avalanche probe, beacon, and shovel are mandatory in winter and spring. Crowding averages 2.0 on the rolling 30-day scale, meaning solitude is typical even on weekends. The peak's high elevation and avalanche terrain eliminate it for beginners; most visitors are peak baggers with experience on Sierra passes and couloirs.
The Inyo National Forest corridor includes Mount Langley (14,042 feet) and Mount Guyot (12,372 feet) as nearby alternatives with similar access and slightly higher base elevation. Mount Whitney (14,505 feet) lies south and sees heavier foot traffic. The Onion Valley area offers easier day hikes and passes suitable for families. Mount Cedric Wright's appeal is its remoteness and crest-line exposure; it rewards early-morning speed and careful avalanche assessment over raw difficulty.