Red Lake Pass
Peak · 12,997 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Red Lake Pass is a 12,997-foot peak in the Eastern Sierra corridor, offering high-altitude access to alpine terrain. Typically calmer than the exposed ridges immediately east.
Wind accelerates through the pass in afternoon hours as thermal pressure builds downslope. Morning calm gives way to sustained gusts by mid-day. Temperature swings sharply with elevation and time of day; plan for cold and wind-driven chill.
Red Lake Pass has averaged 36 NoGo Score over the last 30 days, with wind running 14 mph on average and gusts reaching 45 mph. The next week will trend similar to the trailing month. Watch the afternoon window closely; morning conditions are your window.
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About Red Lake Pass
Red Lake Pass sits at 12,997 feet on the crest of the Eastern Sierra, accessible primarily from Highway 395 via the Mammoth-June Lake Loop. The pass drains north into the Ansel Adams Wilderness and south toward the Round Valley drainage. Access is typically from the west via June Lake Loop or from the east via a shorter approach near Lee Vining. Winter and early spring require avalanche assessment and snow travel skills; the pass sits in active terrain with significant corniced ridges and wind-loaded slopes on all aspects.
Conditions at Red Lake Pass run cold and windy year-round. The 30-day average temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 14 mph reflect the high-altitude exposure and funneling effect of the pass corridor. Maximum wind gusts have reached 45 mph in recent months. Afternoon wind is the dominant pattern; mornings are noticeably calmer. Crowding averages only 2 out of 10, reflecting the pass's remote location and technical approach. Early summer and fall offer the best combination of stable snow and manageable weather windows.
Red Lake Pass suits experienced mountaineers and ski tourers comfortable with avalanche terrain and self-rescue. The pass is not a casual walk-up; navigation requires map-and-compass skill or GPS, and the approach often involves scrambling or bootpacking steep sections. Winter ascents demand avalanche awareness, proper gear, and an understanding of cornicing behavior. Skip afternoon attempts; head early and plan to descend before thermal wind picks up. The area is best for those seeking high-altitude solitude rather than crowds.
Nearby alternatives include peaks along the Ansel Adams crest and the Mammoth Lakes basin approaches to the south. Mount Dana (13,053 feet) and Mount Gibbs (12,625 feet) offer similar elevation and adjacent access from the same general corridor. For those seeking lower-elevation Eastern Sierra options, Conway Summit and other passes along Highway 395 provide windy but less technical access.