Jakes Peak
Peak · 9,176 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Jakes Peak is a 9,176-foot summit in the Lake Tahoe corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, sitting above the northeastern slope of the range. Typically calmer than the open ridges to the north.
Wind averages 6 mph over the month but ramps quickly in afternoon hours, with gusts reaching 22 mph on unsettled days. Early morning offers the steadiest window. Exposure to lake-driven thermal circulation means conditions deteriorate predictably by mid-day.
Over the last 30 days, Jakes Peak averaged a NoGo Score of 43, with temperatures hovering near 38 degrees and the 30-day average wind of 6 mph. The week ahead will track the seasonal shift into late spring; expect scattered warm days interrupted by wind surges as the jet stream dips south. Crowding remains light at an average of 2, a reflection of the peak's modest trail infrastructure.
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About Jakes Peak
Jakes Peak sits at 9,176 feet on the eastern slope of the Sierra crest, roughly 15 miles north-northwest of Incline Village and accessible via Highway 28 and Forest Service roads branching off the Tahoe National Forest network. The peak sits in avalanche terrain and is approached by scrambling or short snow travel depending on season. The nearest town with services is Incline Village to the southeast; Mount Rose-Ski Tahoe lies directly west across the ridge. Access requires backcountry navigation and familiarity with snow travel in winter and early spring.
Conditions at Jakes Peak reflect its high-elevation exposure and proximity to the lake basin. The 30-day average temperature of 38 degrees and average wind of 6 mph mask significant hourly swings. Winter snowpack persists into late spring, with instability risk driven by solar gain and temperature cycles typical of high Sierra aspects. Late September through October offers the most stable snow conditions and coolest daytime temperatures. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorm potential and strong thermal winds by mid-day. Crowding averages 2 over the rolling month, reflecting limited trail traffic and no formal developed access.
Jakes Peak suits experienced ski mountaineers and winter climbers comfortable with avalanche terrain and self-rescue. Summer scramblers should expect loose rock and exposure. The peak's modest popularity reflects its remote access and lack of marked trails; most visitors are passing through to higher or more accessible summits. Wind gusts reaching 22 mph in the rolling year mean afternoon ascents are risky for exposure or vertigo-prone climbers. Snowpack stability assessments from the Sacramento Avalanche Center are essential in winter and spring. Parking and facilities are absent; approach planning must include drop-off or shuttle logistics from Highway 28.
Nearby alternatives include Mount Rose (10,776 ft) to the west, a more popular and marked scramble with better parking and views of the entire Tahoe Basin. The Tahoe Rim Trail passes closer to Jakes Peak's drainage and offers lower-elevation alternatives for visitors seeking open ridge walking without peak-bagging exposure. Carson Peak and the ridgeline south toward Marlette Lake provide similar alpine experience with more established foot traffic and sightlines to the lake.