Mount Stevenson
Peak · 6,368 ft · Kings Canyon & Sequoia corridor
Mount Stevenson is a 6368-foot peak in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor of the Sierra Nevada. High-altitude exposure and avalanche terrain demand caution; access is via the Highway 180 approach.
Wind averages 7 mph but funnels hard in afternoon hours, especially on exposed ridges. Temperature swings 28 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit across the year. Mornings are calmer; conditions deteriorate by midday.
Over the last 30 days, Mount Stevenson has averaged a NoGo Score of 36.0 with temperatures around 42 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 7 mph. The coming week will reflect typical spring patterns for this elevation; plan ascents for early morning departure to avoid afternoon wind and afternoon wind-driven avalanche activity on snow-loaded slopes.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Mount Stevenson
Mount Stevenson sits at 6368 feet in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor, occupying the high alpine zone where the Sierra Nevada's crest runs ragged and exposed. Primary access follows the Highway 180 corridor east from Fresno toward Cedar Grove, with trailheads in the Monarch Lakes and Granite Basin drainages. The peak lies roughly 45 minutes to an hour from the main Highway 180 spine, depending on specific route choice. Winter and early spring approaches require awareness of avalanche terrain; the eastern face and northern gullies collect snow. Late-season routes avoid significant snowpack but expose hikers to wind-scoured ridges and loose talus.
The 30-day average temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the transition from winter to late spring at this elevation. Wind averages 7 mph over the rolling month but peaks at 20 mph during afternoon hours, typical for high Sierra ridges exposed to valley thermal circulation. Crowding averages just 2.0 on the NoGo scale, indicating low traffic; this location remains quiet compared to roadside peaks around the Kings Canyon rim. Winter and very early spring bring heavy snow and high avalanche hazard, closing many approach routes. By midsummer, crowds pick up modestly, but the peak's remoteness keeps visitor counts well below destinations like Moro Rock.
Mount Stevenson suits experienced alpine hikers and mountaineers comfortable with exposed rock, scrambling, and avalanche terrain awareness. Expect to navigate loose talus, boulder fields, and exposed ridges without maintained trail infrastructure. Parking near Monarch Lakes or in the Cedar Grove vicinity can fill on weekends, though absolute numbers remain modest compared to Sequoia's main attractions. Weather windows are narrow; afternoon wind and variable conditions mean an early start and disciplined turnabout time are non-negotiable. Bring avalanche safety gear and be prepared to abandon the ascent if snow conditions show signs of instability.
Nearby alternatives include the gentler trails around Grizzly Lakes and the Moro Rock elevator descent in Sequoia National Park. Mount Brewer, located further south in the Sierra crest, offers similar elevation and exposure but requires more technical climbing. For those seeking lower-altitude day hikes in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor, the Crescent Meadow loop and Big Trees trail provide forgiving terrain with comparable forest and meadow scenery at significantly lower wind and avalanche risk.