Davis Mountain
Peak · 2,362 ft · Kings Canyon & Sequoia corridor
Davis Mountain is a 2362-foot peak in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. It sits above the transition zone between foothills and high country, offering straightforward access and moderate avalanche terrain in winter.
Davis Mountain faces open exposure to afternoon wind funneling down the Kings River drainage. Morning calm typically lasts until mid-day; wind peaks in the afternoon. Snowpack lingers into spring on north-facing slopes. The 30-day average wind of 6 mph masks strong afternoon gusts up to 15 mph.
Over the last 30 days, Davis Mountain averaged a NoGo Score of 35.0, with temperatures around 57 degrees Fahrenheit and light winds of 6 mph on average. Crowding remains minimal at 2.0 on the scale. The week ahead is expected to stay consistent with these spring patterns; watch for afternoon wind acceleration as the day progresses and residual snow stability on steeper aspects.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Davis Mountain
Davis Mountain lies at 2362 feet within the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor, positioned above the Kings River drainage in the southern Sierra Nevada. Access is via Highway 180 from Fresno, entering through the Kings Canyon gateway. The peak sits in terrain where winter avalanche hazard is present on steeper slopes; the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) monitors this area. The mountain is lightly trafficked compared to the high-alpine destinations further up the Kings Canyon Road, making it practical for visitors seeking solitude in spring and early summer without the commitment of a multi-day alpine push.
Spring and early summer are the dominant seasons here. Daytime temperatures average 57 degrees Fahrenheit during the rolling 30-day period; nighttime dips remain cool. Winter snowpack persists on north-facing slopes well into spring. Wind is the defining variable: the 30-day average is 6 mph, but gusts routinely reach 15 mph by mid-afternoon as heating triggers thermal circulation through the drainage. Crowding is minimal year-round at 2.0 on the scale, reflecting the peak's low base popularity and limited day-use infrastructure. Autumn sees slightly cooler overnight conditions and calmer afternoons; midsummer brings warmer days and more afternoon wind energy.
Davis Mountain suits hikers and scramblers comfortable with class 2 to 3 terrain and winter snow travel. It is best for parties wanting a shorter approach than the Kings Canyon high passes, or for those with a flexible timeline willing to wait for stable snow or bare ground. Head here on calm mornings before wind builds. Skip the afternoon if you are sensitive to exposure or if snow stability is uncertain. Winter and early spring require avalanche awareness; north-facing slopes steeper than 30 degrees warrant careful assessment. Summer is least restrictive; the route tends to dry out completely by mid-summer, reducing snow hazard.
Nearby alternatives include peaks along the Kings Canyon Road corridor or the slightly higher terrain of the Monarch Divide to the north. Davis Mountain fills a niche between roadside turnouts and the serious alpine destinations deeper in Kings Canyon. For visitors approaching from the Central Valley via Highway 180, the drive time from Fresno makes Davis Mountain an accessible option when time is limited or when higher passes remain snow-choked. The minimal crowding and low base popularity mean parking and trailhead conditions are rarely the constraint they are at more famous Sierra Nevada destinations.