Little Five Lakes
Lake · 10,475 ft · Kings Canyon & Sequoia corridor
Little Five Lakes sits at 10,475 feet in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia high country. A high-alpine lake cluster sheltered from valley wind by Sierra crest ridges.
Wind averages 10 mph but funnels stronger off the lake by afternoon, particularly on clear days. Morning calm is reliable; skip the lake after noon if you're paddling or fishing. Exposure is moderate; the basin collects less wind than open alpine lakes to the north.
The 30-day average NoGo Score of 16 reflects late-spring alpine volatility. The 30-day average wind of 10 mph masks wide daily swings; gusts reach 26 mph. Expect temperatures around 25 degrees Fahrenheit on average, with crowding at a baseline 5. The week ahead will show whether late April's wind and cold hold or yield to early-May stability.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Little Five Lakes
Little Five Lakes sits in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor at 10,475 feet elevation, a cluster of interconnected alpine pools below the Sierra crest. Access is from the Inyo National Forest side via Highway 395; the trailhead approach runs northeast from the Big Pine drainage, approximately 45 minutes from the town of Big Pine. The lake chain sits north of the Bishop Pass watershed and east of the main Sierra divide. Parking and permits are managed through the Inyo National Forest; arrive early in the season as access roads to trailheads clear progressively through late spring.
Conditions at Little Five Lakes are defined by high-elevation alpine exposure. The 30-day average temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit reflects late April; melt season brings warmer days but sustained cold nights through June. Wind averages 10 mph over the rolling 30 days but regularly exceeds 15 mph by mid-afternoon as thermal convection off the lake intensifies. The 30-day maximum wind gust of 26 mph is typical for this elevation and exposure. Crowding averages 5 on the 30-day rolling window, making this a lower-traffic destination compared to Mono Basin lakes or Yosemite-corridor water. The peak pressure comes after snowpack clears the approach trails, usually late June through early September.
Little Five Lakes suits high-alpine backpackers, mountaineers, and cross-country skiers rather than day-users. The remote location and sustained cold mean visitors plan for early starts, layered clothing, and shelter from afternoon wind. Anglers find cutthroat trout; the basin supports light fishing pressure. Mountaineers use the lakes as a camp base for Sierra crest crossings and peak attempts. Winter and early-spring travelers encounter significant snow; the approach remains snow-locked through May in most years. Midsummer visitors (July and August) encounter the most stable conditions and longest daylight, though afternoon wind remains a constant factor.
Nearby alternatives include the Dusy-Bishop Pass chain to the southwest, which has higher base popularity but similar exposure. The Sierra Lake basin to the north offers comparable elevation and slightly lower afternoon wind due to ridge protection. Big Pine Lakes to the west provide easier access but at lower elevation with different seasonality. Little Five Lakes rewards visitors seeking isolation and high-alpine character; the trade-off is exposure to wind, cold, and distance from road access.