Blue Jay Lake #2
Lake · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Blue Jay Lake #2 sits at 10,305 feet in the Mammoth Lakes corridor of the Sierra Nevada. This alpine lake typically runs calmer than the open water to the east, sheltered by the surrounding ridgeline.
Wind funnels across the lake by mid-afternoon as thermal circulation peaks. Morning hours deliver the calmest conditions; plan paddle or fishing trips before 11 a.m. The 30-day average wind of 9 mph masks gusts that can reach 24 mph by late day.
Over the last 30 days, Blue Jay Lake #2 has held a NoGo Score averaging 13.0, with temperatures hovering around 33 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 9 mph. The week ahead will track typical spring patterns; expect wind to rise in the afternoon and crowding to remain light. Watch the chart for how NoGo Score tracks with temperature swings and peak wind windows.
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About Blue Jay Lake #2
Blue Jay Lake #2 is an alpine lake in the Mammoth Lakes corridor at 10,305 feet elevation, accessed via Highway 203 from U.S. 395. The primary trailhead for the Blue Jay Lakes basin lies east of Mammoth Mountain; most visitors approach from the Mammoth Lakes village area, a 20-minute drive to the trailhead parking. The lake sits in a modest drainage with minimal development, drawing a small, consistent user base rather than crowds. Early-season access depends on snowpack; the lake typically opens for reliable foot traffic in late June and remains accessible through September.
Conditions at Blue Jay Lake #2 follow a classic high-Sierra afternoon wind pattern. The 30-day average temperature of 33 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the altitude and season; daily lows can dip to 20 degrees, while daytime highs rarely exceed 50 degrees year-round. Wind builds rapidly after mid-morning, averaging 9 mph but gusting to 24 mph by afternoon. Crowding averages 4.0 on the site scale, meaning the lake stays relatively quiet even on weekends. Late September through early October delivers the warmest, calmest conditions; April through May brings variable snow patches and occasional closures from lingering pack.
Blue Jay Lake #2 suits anglers, backcountry hikers, and paddlers who can commit to morning-only outings. The small size and shallow depth make it ideal for day trips and light camping; the surrounding terrain discourages casual foot traffic. Experienced visitors time trips for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when wind stays below 12 mph and solitude is near-guaranteed. Avoid the lake in afternoon windows and after 2 p.m.; the exposed alpine setting offers no windbreak once thermals kick in. Parking at the trailhead fills only on holiday weekends.
The Blue Jay Lakes drainage connects to higher basins and alternative approaches from the north side of Mammoth Mountain. Visitors willing to hike further can reach quieter water at upper elevations; those seeking more robust afternoon stability should descend to the forested lakes on the west slope, which typically run 5 to 10 degrees warmer and carry more shelter.