Weaver Lake
Lake · 8,707 ft · Kings Canyon & Sequoia corridor
Weaver Lake sits at 8,707 feet in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor of the Sierra Nevada. This high-elevation alpine lake sees moderate wind and sparse crowds, making it accessible to hikers seeking solitude above the valley floor.
Wind averages 9 mph across the 30-day window but climbs to 26 mph in gusts; exposure is direct and afternoon acceleration is the rule. Morning calm, typically ending by mid-day. Cold water and thin air demand respect. Expect mostly solitude here; the 0.25 base popularity keeps it quieter than nearby destinations.
The past 30 days show an average NoGo Score of 13.0, with temperatures hovering at 33 degrees and the 30-day average wind of 9 mph. Conditions have ranged from a low score of 5.0 to a high of 30.0, reflecting the swing between calm mornings and wind-driven afternoons typical of spring at this elevation. The week ahead will track similar patterns; plan early departures and watch for gusts exceeding 20 mph after 2 p.m.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Weaver Lake
Weaver Lake lies at 8,707 feet in the high Sierra within the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks corridor. The lake sits in glacially carved terrain northeast of Kearsarge Pass. Primary access is via Highway 395 from Bishop or Independence; the route climbs steeply into the backcountry and requires either a full hiking approach or a shuttle to the trailhead near Onion Valley. The lake is not a day-hike destination for most visitors; reaching it demands significant elevation gain and route finding in steep, snow-covered terrain during early season. This isolation is the defining asset; few backpackers venture here, and fewer still arrive on the same day.
Spring and early summer are characterized by lingering snowpack, cold water, and unpredictable wind. The 30-day average temperature of 33 degrees reflects conditions in late April; overnight freezing remains common through June. The 30-day maximum wind of 26 mph and average of 9 mph signal the onset of afternoon thermal wind typical of open alpine lakes. By late summer, temperatures climb to the 50-degree range seen in the 365-day maximum, and the thermal pattern strengthens. Crowds remain minimal year-round; the base popularity of 0.25 and sparse trailhead access ensure solitude. Winter brings heavy snow and access challenges; late September through October offers the most stable conditions and warmest temperatures without the afternoon wind spike of peak summer.
Weaver Lake suits experienced backpackers comfortable with high-altitude exposure, cold water, and navigation in open terrain. The sparse crowds appeal to those fleeing the permit lottery of Sequoia's front-country lakes. Incoming hikers should expect to cache water or filter from the lake itself; there is no reliable source near the shore. The 26 mph maximum wind gust means afternoon paddle conditions deteriorate rapidly; kayakers and canoeists must depart by early morning or plan to beach and wait. The water temperature stays below 50 degrees even in late August, eliminating casual swimming. Parking at the trailhead is limited; arrival before dawn is standard practice on weekends.
Nearby alternatives include Kearsarge Lake to the south, which sits lower and fills faster with day-hikers, and the multiple lakes of the Inyo National Forest drainages to the east. The Weaver Lake basin sees fewer visitors than the Cottonwood Lakes chain to the north, making it a refuge for backpackers seeking high-Sierra solitude without the infrastructure or crowds of the Kearsarge Pass corridor. Those planning multiple days should cluster water sources and shelter sites; the exposed ridgeline and thin vegetation offer little protection from wind. The elevation and isolation reward self-sufficient parties with reliable navigation skills and cold-weather experience.