Treasure Lakes
Lake · Eastern Sierra corridor
Treasure Lakes sits at 10,659 feet in the Eastern Sierra, a high-elevation alpine lake sheltered by granite ridges. Wind-exposed but typically calmer in early morning.
Wind averages 9 mph but accelerates to 24 mph by afternoon, funneling down from the ridgeline. Morning paddling is viable; afternoon is gusty. Temperature averages 27 degrees Fahrenheit across rolling 30 days, with snow lingering into early season.
Over the last 30 days, Treasure Lakes averaged a NoGo Score of 13.0 with temperatures around 27 degrees and wind at 9 mph on average, though gusts peaked at 24 mph. The week ahead continues this pattern of cold, windy afternoons and calmer early mornings typical for high-elevation Eastern Sierra lakes in spring.
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About Treasure Lakes
Treasure Lakes is a small alpine basin lake in the Eastern Sierra corridor, northeast of the Mammoth Lakes region. Access is via Highway 395 north from Mammoth Lakes, then Highway 203 toward Mammoth Mountain; the trailhead sits at the base of the ski area boundary. The drive from Mammoth town is under 30 minutes. The lake drains into the Inyo National Forest watershed. Elevation at 10,659 feet places it above most winter snow closure gates, though Highway 203 can see weather delays in spring. Nearest gateway is Mammoth Lakes; Bishop is a secondary option further south on 395.
Treasure Lakes experiences classic high-Sierra seasonality. The 30-day average score of 13.0 reflects late-spring conditions: cold mornings near freezing, afternoon winds averaging 9 mph with peak gusts to 24 mph, and patchy snow remnants on surrounding terrain. Temperature swings between 11 degrees minimum and 44 degrees maximum across the full year. Spring and early summer bring the most variable weather; mid-summer offers more stable conditions but higher crowds. Fall resettles into predictable cold-wind cycles. Crowding averages 3.0 across the rolling 30 days, indicating low to moderate use; visit midweek to avoid weekend spillover from nearby Mammoth.
Treasure Lakes suits alpine lake visitors seeking solitude and shorter approach times from Mammoth. The low base popularity of 0.25 means experienced peakers and winter/spring mountaineers dominate; casual day-hikers are rare. Plan for exposed terrain and rapid afternoon wind; head here on calm mornings and clear by midday. Parking at the trailhead fills on holiday weekends. Bring layers for the 27-degree average and expect wet snow underfoot through late spring. The lake is accessible to snowshoers and skiers early season; switch to water-based activities as conditions dry. High elevation means UV exposure is intense even on cool days.
Nearby alternatives include Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes basin (lower elevation, warmer, more crowded) and Convict Lake to the south (more sheltered, developed day-use area). Treasure Lakes appeals to visitors wanting altitude and remoteness without the overnight commitment of true backcountry lakes. The Eastern Sierra corridor connecting 395 through Mammoth offers a full spectrum of elevations and conditions; Treasure Lakes anchors the highest-elevation single-day option from the main highway.