Bunny Pass
Peak · 11,645 ft · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Bunny Pass, an 11,645-foot Sierra peak in the Mammoth Lakes corridor, commands exposure to afternoon wind funnels off the high desert. A remote alpine crossing with avalanche terrain.
Wind dominates here. The 30-day average of 15 mph underestimates afternoon gusts that can exceed 40 mph by mid-day, especially when the upper-level flow aligns north-south. Early mornings are markedly calmer. Spring snowpack and wind-slab instability are persistent concerns on steep aspects.
Over the past 30 days, Bunny Pass averaged a NoGo Score of 36.0 with 15 mph wind, typical for this exposed high-Sierra location. Temperatures have averaged 23 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will likely follow the same wind and stability patterns; watch for afternoon gusts climbing back into the 35 to 40 mph range as thermal forcing increases. Crowding remains minimal (2.0 on the rolling average), meaning you'll rarely compete for space.
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About Bunny Pass
Bunny Pass sits at 11,645 feet in the heart of the Mammoth Lakes corridor, roughly 10 miles northeast of the town of Mammoth Lakes proper. Access is primarily via Highway 395 north from Mammoth Lakes, then eastbound on local forest service roads that climb into the high Sierra backcountry. The pass is a traditional snow-travel route in winter and a scramble destination in summer and early autumn, linking the Mammoth Basin to the high desert plateau beyond. Parking is extremely limited; early arrival (before dawn in busy seasons) is mandatory. The remote nature of the approach means cell coverage is unreliable.
Bunny Pass sits in a wind corridor where the pressure gradient funnels air off the high desert to the east and the Sierra crest to the west. The 30-day average wind of 15 mph is misleading; mornings are often calm, but by late morning thermal effects and synoptic forcing drive sustained gusts into the 30s and 40s. Winter and spring months bring avalanche hazard on the steep north-facing slopes immediately surrounding the pass; slopes above 35 degrees merit careful snowpack assessment. Summer (late July through early September) is the most stable season, with lower wind speeds and consolidated snowpack or exposed terrain. Crowding averages just 2.0 on the rolling scale, reflecting the pass's remoteness and technical approach.
Bunny Pass suits experienced mountaineers and ski tourers comfortable with avalanche terrain and exposed ridges. The pass is not a casual day hike; it demands map and compass navigation, off-trail scrambling in summer, and winter snow sense in cold months. In spring, plan around wind-slab hazard on convex slopes and corniced ridges; consult the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) forecasts before departure. Summer visitors should start before first light to avoid afternoon winds; a dawn departure generally ensures descent before the wind peaks at 3 to 5 pm. Winter approaches require proper avalanche gear and training. Parking pressure is low, so solitude is reliable.
Nearby alternatives include Sherwin Peak and the Mammoth Crest route to the south, both offering lower crowding but similar exposure to afternoon wind. Glass Creek Meadow (to the northwest) provides a less technical alternative with lower avalanche hazard but reduced views. The White Mountains across the Owens Valley offer alternative high-altitude scrambles at comparable elevations. Bunny Pass distinguishes itself through its directness and remote character; most visitors pair it with overnight camping or a multi-day ski tour linking the Sierra crest. The minimal base popularity (0.2) ensures it remains uncrowded even in peak seasons.