Cinder Cone
Peak · 7,667 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Cinder Cone rises 7,667 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's eastern Sierra, a volcanic peak with avalanche terrain that demands winter caution and spring snowpack awareness.
Wind averages 7 mph but can spike to 20 mph, driven by thermal drafts off the lake basin and afternoon convection. Mornings are calmer; afternoon often brings sustained gusts. Temperature runs cool at elevation, averaging 38 degrees across the rolling month. Spring snowpack persists into late season.
The 30-day average score of 43 reflects Cinder Cone's mid-season shoulder character: conditions improve on calm mornings but deteriorate by afternoon. Temperature hovers at 38 degrees with occasional warm spells above 50. Wind has peaked at 20 mph. The week ahead shows typical spring volatility; head out early to avoid afternoon gusts and monitor snowpack stability before traveling steeper terrain.
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About Cinder Cone
Cinder Cone sits in the Lake Tahoe corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, east of the main lake basin and accessible from Highway 50 or Highway 89 depending on approach. The peak stands as a volcanic landform with mixed hiking and scramble terrain. Base popularity is low (0.2), meaning fewer crowds than Tahoe's signature destinations. The nearest gateway towns are South Lake Tahoe to the west and Markleeville to the south. Winter and early spring access may require high-clearance or four-wheel drive depending on road conditions; check California Division of Highways advisories before driving.
Cinder Cone sits at the threshold where afternoon heating triggers thermal wind development. The 30-day rolling average wind of 7 mph masks a practical split: calm conditions early and late in the day, stronger wind mid-afternoon. Temperature averages 38 degrees year-round across the rolling month, but ranges from a minimum of 25 degrees in winter to 54 degrees on warm spring days. Spring brings variable stability; snowpack lingers into late season and can shift rapidly with sun exposure and warming trends. Crowds are light (2.0 average crowding on the rolling 30-day window), making Cinder Cone a low-traffic alternative to busier Lake Tahoe peaks.
Cinder Cone suits climbers, scramblers, and backcountry skiers willing to manage avalanche terrain and spring snowpack volatility. The peak draws experienced mountaineers planning spring ascents rather than casual day hikers. Parking is minimal; plan to arrive early or on weekdays when traffic is thinnest. Avalanche terrain is present; consult the Sacramento Avalanche Center before winter or spring travel and assess crown fractures, slope angle, and recent wind loading. The climb is best executed in the morning window before afternoon wind and thermal convection accelerate. Bring sun protection and extra layers; wind chill on the high ridges can make 38-degree air feel significantly colder, especially with 20 mph gusts.
Nearby alternatives include other Lake Tahoe corridor peaks accessed from Highway 50 or 89, each with distinct exposure and seasonality. Cinder Cone's low base popularity and avalanche terrain make it a destination for mountaineers seeking solitude and technical challenge rather than scenic tourism. Pair a Cinder Cone ascent with water and creek monitoring if descending into drainage basins; spring melt and afternoon thermal effects elevate stream hazards.