Keating Pass
Peak · 12,280 ft · Kings Canyon & Sequoia corridor
Keating Pass is a 12,280 ft peak in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. Sits above glacial terrain on the eastern Sierra crest with low base popularity and avalanche exposure.
Wind averages 9 mph across rolling 30 days but can spike to 24 mph; afternoon gusts are the rule in clear weather. Temperatures average 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure increases markedly above treeline; shelter diminishes rapidly in the pass itself. Morning calm often breaks by midday.
Over the last 30 days, Keating Pass has averaged a NoGo Score of 36 with temperatures at 28 degrees and wind at 9 mph. The week ahead will test whether the typical afternoon wind pattern holds or whether a system disrupts the current rhythm. Watch the trend grid for wind spikes and temperature swings; both drive avalanche stability and route-finding confidence.
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About Keating Pass
Keating Pass lies at 12,280 feet on the high Sierra crest within the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor, straddling the divide between the Kern River basin and the Inyo drainage. Access is typically from the Inyo National Forest side via Highway 395 to Lone Pine or Big Pine, then backcountry foot travel. The pass itself sits in serious avalanche terrain with sparse vegetation above treeline. Approach routes are steep and require snow-craft awareness in winter and early spring. Low base popularity (0.2) means few visitors; solitude is the default unless a rare spell of benign conditions draws a weekend push.
Keating Pass sits in a regime where temperatures average 28 degrees Fahrenheit across the rolling 30-day window, with a recorded low of 12 degrees and highs reaching 44 degrees across the full year. Wind averages 9 mph but regularly hits 24 mph; afternoon strengthening is the dominant pattern. Crowding averages just 2 out of 10, reflecting both remoteness and serious terrain. Late spring through early autumn is the accessible window; winter and early spring snowpack demands expert avalanche assessment. The pass sees minimal traffic except during stable high-pressure spells.
Keating Pass suits experienced high-Sierra mountaineers and backcountry skiers with avalanche training. Expect to self-rescue and navigate entirely without support. The pass is not a casual day-hike destination; approach routes demand rock scrambling, snow travel, or both. Parking is limited to pullouts along Highway 395 or trailhead spurs; plan for early-morning starts to secure a spot. The avalanche terrain is complex; ESAC (Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center) forecasts are non-negotiable. Afternoon wind can reduce visibility and stability; most experienced parties complete the crossing by early afternoon.
Nearby alternatives in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor include Forester Pass to the south and Shepherd Pass to the north, both offering similar high-alpine access and avalanche exposure. Keating Pass sees roughly equivalent conditions to its neighbors but remains less trafficked. Comparisons to Yosemite's high passes (Tioga or Kearsarge) show similar temperature and wind patterns at elevation, though Keating Pass sits further east and more exposed to afternoon wind funneling off the high desert.