Red Star Point
Peak · 4,898 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Red Star Point is a 4898 ft peak in the Lake Tahoe corridor's high Sierra, accessed via the Tahoe rim network. Wind and avalanche terrain define the approach.
Red Star Point sits exposed to afternoon wind funneling off the lake. Morning calm typically prevails, with gusts building by midday. The 30-day average wind of 7 mph masks afternoon peaks near 15 mph. Snowpack stability and steep terrain demand avalanche awareness through spring.
Over the last 30 days, Red Star Point has averaged a NoGo Score of 42 with temperatures near 43 degrees Fahrenheit and wind around 7 mph. The week ahead will show whether afternoon wind patterns strengthen or hold steady. Crowding remains light at 2 on the rolling average, so isolation is likely if conditions allow access.
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About Red Star Point
Red Star Point sits at 4898 ft on the high rim of the Lake Tahoe Sierra Nevada, east of the main crest and southwest of the deepest alpine basins. Access routes branch from Highway 89 (the primary loop road around Tahoe) via trailheads near South Lake Tahoe or the Meyers area. The approach traverses mixed terrain with significant avalanche slopes, particularly in spring when snowpack weakens. Avalanche center coverage is SAC (Sierra Avalanche Center), and the location is flagged as avalanche terrain; checking the latest forecast is mandatory before winter or spring travel. Base popularity is low, meaning crowds are light year-round.
Conditions at Red Star Point are shaped by its elevation and lake-basin exposure. The rolling 30-day average temperature is 43 degrees Fahrenheit, with the 365-day range spanning 30 to 58 degrees. Wind averages 7 mph over 30 days but gusts to 15 mph regularly; afternoon thermal winds off the lake are the dominant pattern. The rolling 30-day NoGo Score averages 42, indicating mixed to marginal conditions as a baseline. Snow lingers into late May or early June. Summer sees brief windows of low wind, but afternoon heating drives thermal circulation by mid-morning.
Red Star Point suits experienced backcountry users comfortable with avalanche terrain and navigation in mixed snow and rock. Winter and spring approaches require snowpack evaluation, stable travel technique, and storm-awareness skills. Summer day use from mid-July onward suits fit hikers and peak-baggers avoiding afternoon wind. Plan for morning-only windows when feasible; departing trailheads by 8 am maximizes calm-weather exposure. Crowding is minimal, so solitude is standard. Bring layers for the 43-degree average and wind-resistant gear. Water sources are limited at elevation; carry sufficient capacity.
Red Star Point pairs well with traverses toward Tallac or other Tahoe rim peaks for experienced parties. The low-popularity rating and avalanche exposure make it a destination for serious mountaineers rather than casual visitors. Compare conditions here with those at more-traveled basin peaks on the west shore for a sense of relative wind and crowding patterns. Access is feasible year-round in dry-snow seasons but winter ascents demand current SAC forecasts and solid winter skills.