Rixford Pass
Peak · 12,402 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Rixford Pass is a 12,402-foot alpine crossing in the Eastern Sierra, straddling exposed ridgeline above the Inyo drainage. Wind-swept and sparsely visited, it demands respect for avalanche terrain and afternoon gusts.
Wind funnels hard across the pass by mid-afternoon; morning hours are notably calmer. Snowpack persists into late spring, making avalanche awareness critical on approach gullies. Exposure is complete; there is no shelter once you crest the ridgeline. Expect sustained wind in the 13 mph range, with gusts to 37 mph on unsettled days.
Over the last 30 days, Rixford Pass averaged a NoGo Score of 36.0 with temperatures around 23 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 13 mph. The rolling 30-day high wind reached 37 mph, typical for this exposed alpine crossing. The week ahead will follow similar patterns; plan for calm windows in early morning and prepare for wind acceleration by noon.
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About Rixford Pass
Rixford Pass sits at 12,402 feet on the spine of the Sierra Nevada crest, directly above the Inyo drainage system in the Eastern Sierra corridor. Access from the west is via Highway 395 near Big Pine or Lone Pine; from the east, approach routes thread through Inyo National Forest above the Inyo Valley. The pass itself is a walker's crossing rather than a driven road; most reach it on foot from the Palisade Lakes basin or via the Rixford Lakes approach. Elevation and exposure make this a high-country destination, not a casual roadside stop.
Weather at Rixford Pass is dictated by three factors: alpine elevation, unobstructed ridgeline position, and seasonal snowpack. The 30-day average temperature of 23 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the current spring window when snow still caps the pass; by late summer, highs reach the low 40s Fahrenheit. Wind is the dominant feature; the average of 13 mph understates afternoon acceleration, when sustained gusts often exceed 25 mph. The 365-day minimum temperature of 6 degrees Fahrenheit shows winter severity; pack accordingly for conditions well below valley freezing levels. Crowding averages 2.0 on the NoGo scale, meaning the pass sees light foot traffic except during early summer when Palisade Lakes approaches peak use.
Rixford Pass suits experienced alpine hikers and winter mountaineers comfortable with avalanche terrain and self-rescue in wind. The approach crosses snow-fed drainage and enters terrain where slab avalanches are possible in spring and early summer; consult ESAC avalanche forecasts before committing. Winter and early spring require full mountaineering kit: ice axe, crampons, and rescue knowledge. By midsummer, snow retreats to high shelves, but wind remains relentless; lightweight gear and an early-morning start are essential. This is not a peak for casual day-trippers; it rewards those who respect the alpine environment and plan around the dominant wind pattern.
Nearby alternatives in the Eastern Sierra corridor include Kearsarge Pass and Potosi Mountain, both more accessible and less wind-exposed. For those seeking similar elevation and solitude without the full alpine commitment, the Palisade Lakes basin offers excellent high-country camping below the pass. The Inyo drainage itself is less crowded than west-side Sierra canyons, making it a strong choice for spring and early summer when Yosemite and Highway 120 are still settling into the season.