Slim Lake
Lake · 10,551 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Slim Lake sits at 10,551 feet in California's Eastern Sierra, a high-altitude alpine lake ringed by granite peaks. Colder and windier than lower Sierra lakes, it rewards early-season visitors willing to time the weather.
Wind accelerates across the open water by mid-afternoon, with gusts exceeding 30 mph common. Morning hours offer the calmest conditions. The lake stays frigid even in summer; expect temperatures averaging 22 degrees Fahrenheit over the past month. Afternoon thermals drive most of the wind energy.
The past 30 days averaged a NoGo Score of 36, with wind running 13 mph and temperature holding at 22 degrees Fahrenheit. The rolling 30-day maximum wind of 37 mph reflects typical late-spring funneling down the drainage. The week ahead will track similar patterns; head here on calm mornings and plan to leave before mid-afternoon wind builds.
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About Slim Lake
Slim Lake occupies a glacially-carved basin in the Eastern Sierra corridor, accessed via Highway 395 and approach routes from the Inyo National Forest. The lake sits on the boundary between high-altitude alpine terrain and lower foothill country, making it a natural waypoint for backcountry travelers and day-trippers willing to drive the long approach. The nearest gateway is Lone Pine, roughly 45 minutes south; Independence and Big Pine offer northern access. The lake's low base popularity (0.25) means fewer crowds than famous Sierra lakes, but the elevation and remote setting demand respect for weather and avalanche terrain.
Spring and early summer bring the most variable conditions. The 30-day average NoGo Score of 36 reflects consistent wind and cold; temperatures average 22 degrees Fahrenheit with 13 mph winds the norm and peaks to 37 mph. Winter snowpack persists well into summer, and avalanche terrain surrounds the approach; check ESAC forecasts before traveling. Late September sees calmer wind patterns and slightly warmer days, though freeze-thaw cycles accelerate. By October, afternoon freeze happens reliably. Summer afternoons warm modestly, but wind increases with the sun's intensity.
Slim Lake suits backcountry hikers, mountaineers, and experienced paddlers comfortable with cold water and sudden wind. The lake drains into the Inyo drainage and sits on the high Sierra threshold where weather systems accelerate. Parking is minimal; arrive before dawn if you plan to stay through morning. Most visitors are self-sufficient; amenities do not exist at the lake. Experienced travelers plan two-window days: morning hours on the water or shore, then a retreat before afternoon wind and cold intensify. Hypothermia risk is real in the cold water and thin air.
Nearby alternatives include Bishop Pass lakes to the north and Cottonwood Lakes to the south, both slightly lower in elevation and somewhat more accessible. Slim Lake's isolation makes it appealing precisely because few others endure the drive and altitude. If afternoon winds spike above 30 mph and you're paddling or climbing, the margin for error disappears fast. Winter approach requires mountaineering judgment; avalanche hazard exists in surrounding gullies and the bowl above the lake's north face.