Mount Price
Peak · 9,973 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Mount Price rises to 9973 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's high Sierra, a steep approach peak that's quieter and windier than the valley bases around the lake.
Wind dominates here. The 30-day average runs 11 mph with gusts to 30 mph, strongest from mid-afternoon onward as thermals funnel across the high ridge. Morning hours offer calmer air; skip the peak after noon unless you're equipped for sustained wind and exposure.
Over the last 30 days, Mount Price averaged 42 on the NoGo Score with a 30-day average temperature of 28°F and average wind of 11 mph. Late spring brings variable conditions: watch for rapid afternoon wind increase and lingering snowpack on north-facing terrain. The week ahead shows typical high-elevation volatility; plan early-start days and monitor wind trends before committing.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Mount Price
Mount Price anchors the high Sierra spine east of Lake Tahoe, accessed primarily from Highway 50 via the Echo Lakes trailhead or from Highway 89 on the west slope. The peak sits in avalanche terrain; winter and early-spring approach requires snowpack assessment and awareness of slab instability on steep gullies. The base popularity is low (0.2 rating), meaning crowds are minimal compared to nearby Pyramid Peak or Ralston. Drive times from Sacramento run 90 minutes to the Highway 50 corridor; from the Tahoe basin proper, 30 to 40 minutes from Incline Village or South Lake Tahoe.
Weather here is elevation-driven and unforgiving. The 30-day average temperature sits at 28°F, with annual lows near 16°F and highs around 41°F. Wind averages 11 mph over the last month but peaks at 30 mph, particularly in afternoon hours when lake-shore heating drives convection upslope. Late spring and early summer bring rapid afternoon wind that can exceed safe thresholds for exposed ridges. Crowding averages 2 on a 1-10 scale; you'll encounter few hikers outside peak holiday weekends. Snow lingers on north and east aspects well into late spring; frozen ground and verglas create crampon conditions.
Mount Price suits experienced mountaineers and skilled scramblers willing to navigate talus, snowpack, and sustained exposure. Winter and spring climbers must carry ice tools and crampons, assess avalanche danger daily via the Sacramento Avalanche Center, and plan for rapid temperature swings. The peak works for fitness-focused day trips from the Tahoe basin in stable morning windows; afternoon wind and lightning risk from thunderstorm development make it unsuitable for casual hikers or families. Parking at Echo Lakes or Horsetail Lake trailheads fills early on clear weekends; arrive by dawn to secure a spot.
Nearby alternatives include Pyramid Peak (11 miles south, lower avalanche exposure, steeper scramble) and Ralston Peak (similar elevation, less wind-exposed on approach). Mount Price differs by its isolation; fewer trails and lower base popularity mean you trade crowd relief against minimal infrastructure and longer snow season. Compare to Rubicon Peak or Jacks Peak for similar high-Sierra scrambling with fractionally easier access. All three demand respect for avalanche terrain and afternoon wind. Plan for early season (late May onward) when snowpack stabilizes and afternoon convection remains moderate.