Clyde Lake
Lake · Lake Tahoe corridor
Clyde Lake sits at 8058 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's high Sierra, a modest alpine pool sheltered from the wind tunnel that dominates the larger basin to the east.
Wind builds steadily through morning and peaks mid-afternoon, funneling off the open water. The 30-day average wind of 11 mph masks daily swings to 30 mph by late day. Cold water and exposure demand early-morning visits; skip the afternoon if you're paddling or fishing.
Over the last 30 days, Clyde Lake averaged a NoGo Score of 14 with temperatures around 28 degrees Fahrenheit and wind gusts reaching 30 mph. The week ahead will track the seasonal transition toward warmer air and lighter pressure systems typical of late spring in the high Sierra. Watch for afternoon wind surges and lingering snowpack at the shoreline.
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About Clyde Lake
Clyde Lake lies at 8058 feet in the high Sierra northeast of Lake Tahoe proper, accessed via Highway 50 and secondary roads into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness fringe. The lake is small, cold, and ringed by granite and conifer; it draws far fewer visitors than the main basin. Primary access comes from the Highway 50 corridor towns; drive time from South Lake Tahoe is under 90 minutes. The shoreline is rocky and steep in places, suitable for hiking and fishing but not swimming.
Temperature at this elevation averages 28 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 30 days, with annual lows near 16 and highs around 41. Wind dominates the character. The 30-day average of 11 mph conceals a sharp diurnal pattern: calm dawn conditions give way to sustained gusts by mid-morning, peaking near 30 mph by afternoon. Snow lingers into late spring and can block approach roads; confirm access before driving in. Crowding remains light year-round, averaging 3 on a 10-point scale.
Clyde Lake suits hikers, anglers, and cold-water kayakers who value solitude and don't mind wind discipline. Early risers find the best conditions; the lake calms by first light and typically holds through mid-morning before afternoon gusts take over. Winter and early spring snow may require high-clearance or chains. Parking is minimal; arrive early on clear weekends. The cold water and exposed shoreline mean no spontaneous plunging; prepare for alphanumeric conditions even in summer.
Nearby alternatives include higher alpine lakes in the same drainage, each with similar wind patterns and even fewer amenities. The main Lake Tahoe basin, 30 miles west, offers warmer water and more services but far heavier crowds and more variable conditions. Clyde Lake appeals to visitors seeking quiet and willing to work around wind and cold rather than chase comfort.