The Fin
Peak · 12,723 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
The Fin is a 12,723 ft peak in the Eastern Sierra corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. Steep and exposed, it sits above the west fork of the Kern River drainage and demands respect for avalanche terrain and sudden wind.
Wind accelerates dramatically after mid-morning as thermal circulation builds off the surrounding ridges. Temperatures hover near freezing through spring and early summer; expect the 30-day average wind of 14 mph to spike to 42 mph by afternoon. Morning climbs are calmer; descents after noon face strong, turbulent flow.
Over the last 30 days, The Fin averaged a NoGo Score of 36.0 with an average temperature of 21 degrees and average wind of 14 mph, typical for a high-elevation Eastern Sierra peak in spring. The week ahead will track similarly. Watch for afternoon wind surges and lingering snow on north-facing terrain; stable mornings are your window.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About The Fin
The Fin rises on the crest of the Eastern Sierra, roughly 40 miles south of Mount Whitney and accessible via Highway 395 north from Kernville or Highway 178 from Bakersfield. The peak sits in avalanche terrain; the west and north faces drain steeply into the Kern River system. Approach typically requires a high-clearance vehicle to access the Blackrock area trailhead, a staging point for climbers targeting the peak and surrounding ridgeline. Winter and spring ascents demand detailed snowpack assessment through the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center.
The Fin's 30-day average temperature of 21 degrees reflects its alpine exposure and late-season snow persistence. Spring brings rapid temperature swings; frozen couloirs in early morning may become unstable by mid-afternoon as sun loading accelerates. Crowding averages 2.0 on the rolling 30-day metric, making it a low-traffic destination compared to Whitney or Muir Trail Ranch. Wind is the dominant variable; gusts reach 42 mph within the rolling-year maximum, funneling through the saddle between The Fin and adjacent high ridges. Skip afternoon attempts if you lack experience in windy terrain.
The Fin suits climbers seeking technical alpine scrambling away from Highway 395 corridor crowds. Snow climbing and mixed rock ascents are the norm during spring and early summer; by late summer, scree and loose rock dominate. Parties should carry a rope for belayed sections and have solid rock-climbing fundamentals. Parking near the Blackrock trailhead fills on weekends, but base popularity of 0.2 means you will rarely encounter large groups. Plan for 4 to 6 hours round trip depending on snow and route finding.
The Eastern Sierra corridor offers proximate alternatives: Mount Langley to the north is lower and less technical; the Kern River drainage itself supports backcountry routes that avoid high-elevation wind. Winter approach to The Fin requires avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Check ESAC forecasts before committing; the peak's steep north faces shed slides rapidly after wind loading or warming events. Spring is optimal; summer and fall offer stable but increasingly rocky conditions.