Maggies Peaks
Peak · 8,658 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Maggies Peaks sits at 8658 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A high alpine summit with avalanche terrain and sustained wind exposure, it rewards early starts and calm spells.
Wind averages 11 mph over the rolling 30 days but funnels to 35 mph on exposed ridges during afternoon and evening. Morning calm typically lasts until late morning; afternoon gusts are reliable. Expect temperatures around 29 degrees Fahrenheit; snow or icy crust dominates the approach through spring.
Over the last 30 days, Maggies Peaks averaged a NoGo Score of 42 with wind holding at 11 mph and temperatures near 29 degrees Fahrenheit. Conditions swing from a low score of 5 (near-ideal) to a high of 65 (marginal to poor). The week ahead will track similar patterns; plan around morning windows before afternoon wind develops.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Maggies Peaks
Maggies Peaks crowns the high Sierra immediately west of the Lake Tahoe corridor. Located at 8658 feet, it sits on the divide separating drainages that feed both the lake and the high country to the northeast. Primary access is via Highway 50 from the west or Highway 89 from the south; most trips stage from South Lake Tahoe or nearby gateway towns and involve cross-country or off-trail approach. The peak itself lies well above the tree line, fully exposed to wind and weather systems that push across the Sierra crest. Base popularity is low compared to valley destinations, but the elevation and avalanche terrain demand both navigation skill and current snowpack awareness.
Conditions at Maggies Peaks track the 30-day average of 42 on the NoGo Score, driven primarily by wind and cold. Over a rolling 365-day window, temperatures range from a low of 16 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 44 degrees Fahrenheit; the peak sits above sustained summer warmth. Wind is the dominant constraint; the 30-day average is 11 mph with gusts to 35 mph recorded in the recent window. Afternoon wind is predictable; mornings before 10 am often see calmer conditions. Snow cover persists into late spring, and avalanche terrain on the approach and summit slopes requires evaluation of current snowpack stability and slope aspect. Crowding averages 2 on the rolling 30 days, meaning you will encounter few other parties, but winter and early-spring access is restricted by road closures on Highway 50 and Highway 89.
Maggies Peaks suits experienced mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and high-alpine hikers comfortable with exposure and self-sufficiency. The peak is not a casual walk-up; route-finding in snow or across rock requires map and compass or GPS. Visitors should plan around the dominant afternoon wind by starting before dawn and finishing the summit push by early afternoon. Avalanche terrain awareness is non-negotiable; consult the Sierras Avalanche Center before travel and assess slope angle, recent precipitation, and thermal inputs. Parking is available at Highway 50 pullouts or trailhead areas, but capacity is limited and fills quickly on weekends. Smoke from Sierra fires can reduce visibility and air quality; check current conditions before committing to a long drive.
Nearby peaks in the Lake Tahoe corridor include Mount Tallac, Carson Pass, and peaks along the Tahoe crest. Maggies Peaks offers a higher, quieter alternative to more-trafficked summits in the immediate area. South Lake Tahoe and the Highway 50 corridor provide lodging, fuel, and resupply. Winter access typically requires snowshoes or skis; summer approaches are rock-and-scree travel. The peak's low base popularity and avalanche terrain keep it off most casual summer itineraries, making it a destination for focused skill-building or off-season mountaineering.