Cherry Point
Peak · 6,719 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Cherry Point is a 6,719-foot peak in the Lake Tahoe corridor's high Sierra. Typically calmer than exposed ridges to the north, it offers alpine access with moderate crowds.
Wind funnels from the lake basin in afternoon hours, averaging 7 mph but gusting to 17 mph by mid-day. Morning hours see gentler flow. Temperature swings sharply with elevation and time of day. Snow lingers into late spring; avalanche terrain demands respect on steep aspects.
Over the past 30 days, Cherry Point has averaged a NoGo Score of 43, with temperatures around 38 degrees and winds holding to 7 mph. The week ahead shows typical spring variability; plan morning departures to avoid afternoon wind acceleration. Watch for lingering snowpack stability on north-facing slopes.
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About Cherry Point
Cherry Point sits at 6,719 feet in the high Sierra east of Lake Tahoe, accessible via Highway 89 corridor routes from the west or Highway 395 approaches from the east. The peak is a climbing and scramble destination popular with peakbaggers working the Tahoe rim traverse. Access typically involves a trailhead approach from one of the lake's outlying drainages; exact parking and approach vary by season and snowpack. The location sits roughly 10,000 feet above sea level in the broader Sierra crest zone; Highway 50 to the south and Highway 80 further west provide regional anchors, but Highway 89 is the primary lake-access corridor.
Cherry Point experiences typical high-Sierra seasonality. Winter brings heavy snow and avalanche risk on slope exposures above 6,500 feet; the snowpack typically persists into late spring. Over the past 30 days, average temperatures have been 38 degrees Fahrenheit with average wind speeds of 7 mph, though gusts reach 17 mph during afternoon hours when lake breezes funnel upslope. Summer and early fall see warmer, calmer periods. The 365-day record shows a temperature range from 22 to 53 degrees, capturing the full seasonal swing. Crowding remains minimal year-round, with a 30-day average of only 2 on the occupancy scale, making it a low-traffic objective.
Cherry Point suits climbers and peak-baggers seeking high-elevation Sierra objectives with manageable crowds. Experienced alpinists use it as a waypoint on longer ridge traverses; scramblers approach it for the view and the technical brief. The peak is best visited on calm mornings before afternoon wind develops; skip mid-day and afternoon windows if exposed scrambling or snow travel is in the plan. Avalanche terrain dominates north and east aspects; assess snowpack stability through the avalanche center for the region (SAC) before committing to steep snow. Parking is limited and seasonal access depends on road closures and trailhead snow cover.
Nearby alternatives in the Tahoe corridor include Ellis Peak and other rim objectives accessible via Highway 89. The peak pairs well with Lake Tahoe touring for those with water-based skills. Wind patterns at Cherry Point are generally milder than at more exposed crests further north, making it a preferred choice when afternoon thermals are forecast. Comparatively, points on the lake's open eastern shore see stronger afternoon pressure gradients; Cherry Point's location slightly inland offers a small buffer. For winter objectives, check avalanche hazard ratings and regional snowpack bulletins before planning a visit.