McGee Lakes Pass South
Peak · 11,838 ft · Kings Canyon & Sequoia corridor
McGee Lakes Pass South is an 11,838-foot peak in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. Wind funnels across the pass year-round, making it best approached on calm mornings.
Wind dominates here. The 30-day average wind is 11 mph, but gusts exceed 38 mph regularly, especially after mid-morning. Afternoon thermals drive sustained upslope flow. Temperature averages 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Early starts pay off; conditions deteriorate by noon.
Over the last 30 days, the NoGo Score averaged 37.0, with conditions swinging from a low of 5.0 to a high of 65.0. Wind and temperature are the primary variables; the 30-day average wind of 11 mph climbs to 38 mph peak gusts. The week ahead will follow the same seasonal pattern: calm alpine mornings, building afternoon winds, and avalanche terrain to assess after new snow or warming cycles.
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About McGee Lakes Pass South
McGee Lakes Pass South sits at 11,838 feet in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia high country, north of the McGee Lakes drainage and south of the Inyo Craters region. Access is via California Highway 395 to the town of Mammoth Lakes or the June Lake loop; trailheads in the McGee Creek drainage provide the primary approach. The pass itself straddles ridgeline between two glacially-carved basins and receives full alpine exposure. The nearest sustained services are in Mammoth Lakes, roughly one hour south on Highway 395. Most climbers approach via McGee Lakes or the Sierra Pass route; winter access requires snow travel skills and avalanche assessment.
This location experiences extreme seasonal variation. Winter snowpack accumulates heavily; spring and early summer bring unstable wet slabs and cornice collapse risk on the pass proper. By late summer, the route is mostly snow-free, but afternoon winds intensify as thermal heating builds. The 30-day average temperature of 19 degrees Fahrenheit reflects current spring conditions; expect temperatures ranging from 8 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit across the year. Crowding averages only 2.0 on a relative scale, making this a quiet alternative to more famous Sierra passes. Wind, not people, is the limiting factor here.
This pass suits experienced high-Alpine scramblers and ski mountaineers who tolerate sustained wind and navigation complexity. The exposed ridgeline demands respect in winter; avalanche terrain flanks both sides of the pass, and cornices frequently overhang the crest. Solitude and cold are the defining traits. Plan for an early start; winds regularly exceed 38 mph by afternoon, making descent hazardous and conditions unpleasant. Carry layers for the full 8 to 33 degree Fahrenheit temperature range the site experiences annually. Winter ascents require proficiency with avalanche terrain assessment and self-rescue.
Nearby alternatives include Kearsarge Pass to the south (lower elevation, slightly warmer) and Mono Pass to the north (more exposed to jet-stream wind). The McGee Lakes drainage itself offers lower-elevation camping and scrambling options before committing to the high pass. For those seeking similar high-Sierra exposure with marginally better afternoon protection, Tioga Pass and Sonora Pass on Highway 120 and Highway 108 respectively offer different wind regimes but similar crowding profiles. McGee Lakes Pass South remains the least-visited option in its cluster.