C Hill
Peak · 5,761 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
C Hill is a 5,761-foot peak in the Lake Tahoe corridor's eastern Sierra Nevada. This modest summit sits above Glenbrook and faces the open lake, collecting afternoon wind funneling off the water.
Wind dominates here. Mornings are calm; by midday, thermal updrafts and lake-breeze acceleration build. Expect gusts climbing into the mid-20s by afternoon. The peak sits exposed on all sides with no forest shelter. Temperature swings sharply between sun and shade. Crowds remain light year-round due to minimal base popularity and trailhead obscurity.
Over the last 30 days, the average NoGo Score has held at 43, with wind averaging 11 mph and peaks to 29 mph. Temperature has averaged 49 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead tracks similar: morning windows narrow as spring advances and thermal heating strengthens. Plan ascents before 10 a.m. if wind sensitivity matters.
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About C Hill
C Hill rises from the Glenbrook area on Lake Tahoe's east shore, roughly 45 minutes south of Reno via Nevada Highway 395 and local roads. The peak sits at 5,761 feet, low for the Sierra but high enough to catch afternoon wind channeled off the lake surface. Access is via informal foot routes starting near Glenbrook; no maintained trail exists. The location sits within the Sacramento Avalanche Center's advisory zone and carries avalanche terrain in winter and early spring, particularly on north-facing slopes where snowpack can persist into late April.
C Hill's weather pattern is defined by lake-moderated temperatures and powerful afternoon wind. The 30-day average wind of 11 mph masks a strong daily rhythm: calm mornings shift to sustained gusts by 2 p.m., with max gusts reaching 29 mph in the 365-day record. Average temperature sits at 49 degrees Fahrenheit across the rolling 30-day window, but year-round extremes range from 35 degrees in winter to 69 degrees in summer. Spring and early summer show the widest temperature swings. Crowds average 2.0 on a 10-point scale, making this an uncrowded alternative to Tahoe's busier summits. The low base popularity means parking pressure near Glenbrook is minimal.
C Hill appeals to peak baggers seeking quick Sierra elevation gain with solitude. Experienced scramamblers use the peak as a training objective or a fast morning workout. The exposed position and afternoon wind make it poor for windy-weather training; instead, use the calm morning window for route-finding practice or fitness. Winter and spring ascents demand avalanche awareness and may require snowshoes or crampons on north slopes. No water or shelter exists on the peak; carry a headlamp if you plan to descend after noon, since afternoon wind can slow retreat. Cell service is inconsistent.
Nearby alternatives include Marlette Lake to the southeast, a lower but more sheltered water destination, and the Glenbrook Peak ridge immediately west. Both offer similar access from Highway 395 and Glenbrook. For higher elevation and more reliable alpine exposure, Mount Rose (10,776 feet) lies 30 minutes north and receives significantly more traffic. The Tahoe Rim Trail crosses terrain between these peaks and offers longer traverse options for visitors who want more mileage and less exposure than C Hill's isolated summit ascent.