Harrington Pass
Peak · 10,718 ft · Kings Canyon & Sequoia corridor
Harrington Pass sits at 10,718 feet in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. This exposed high-country crossing stays windy and cold; it suits winter mountaineers and early-season passers comfortable with avalanche terrain and unpredictable wind.
Wind funnels across the pass from afternoon onward, especially on clear days. The 30-day average wind is 9 mph, but gusts reach 39 mph in spring and early summer. Temperature averages 27 degrees Fahrenheit over the last month. Mornings are calmer and slightly warmer relative to afternoon thermals.
Over the past 30 days, Harrington Pass has averaged a NoGo Score of 36, with temperatures holding at 27 degrees and winds averaging 9 mph. The week ahead remains in that range, with afternoon gusts the dominant threat. Spring snowpack and avalanche risk remain active variables; check ESAC conditions before crossing or approaching steep terrain.
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About Harrington Pass
Harrington Pass is a high-altitude summit and crossing in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor, accessed primarily via Highway 180 from Fresno to the west or the Inyo National Forest road network from the east. The pass sits at 10,718 feet and marks a drainage divide between the Kings River watershed and the Kern River headwaters. Winter and early-spring approach requires a high-clearance vehicle or winter gear; summer and early-fall access is typically roadbound. The nearest gateway towns are Fresno to the west and Independence or Lone Pine to the east, both roughly 90 minutes to two hours' drive.
Harrington Pass experiences extreme seasonality tied to snowpack and alpine wind patterns. The 30-day average temperature of 27 degrees and average wind of 9 mph reflect spring conditions; winter brings lows near 13 degrees and sustained wind that can exceed 39 mph. Summer sees higher temperatures (up to 41 degrees in the rolling 365-day peak) and reduced but still active afternoon thermals. Crowding averages 2 out of 10 across the last month, making it a low-traffic destination even in peak season. The pass remains snowbound from November through late spring; clearance dates depend on winter snowfall and road maintenance.
Harrington Pass is best suited for mountaineers, winter climbers, and backcountry skiers comfortable with avalanche assessment and high-wind navigation. Day-hikers aiming for the summit should expect exposure, thin air at elevation, and afternoon wind intensification. The pass crossing itself is fastest in early morning or on calm days before wind builds. Parking is minimal and informal; plan to arrive early or visit midweek when the low base popularity of 0.2 ensures fewer vehicles. Winter approaches require avalanche terrain awareness; ESAC forecasts are mandatory before heading uphill into slopes above the pass.
Nearby alternatives in the corridor include Kearsarge Pass to the south and Forester Pass to the north, both higher and more exposed but accessible during similar windows. Harrington Pass offers a lower-traffic route between the two; it is less famous but equally severe in wind and cold. Visitors working the Kings Canyon Highway or heading to the High Sierra should treat this pass as a weather checkpoint rather than a casual stop. Wind conditions here often presage conditions across the higher passes, making it a useful reference point for broader trip planning.