Gemini Pass
Peak · 12,040 ft · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Gemini Pass sits at 12,040 feet in the Mammoth Lakes corridor, a high-Sierra col with steep terrain and exposure to afternoon wind funneling from the lakes basin below.
Wind is the dominant force here. Mornings are often calm, but afternoon thermals push gusts into the 30 to 40 mph range by mid-day. The pass sits above tree line with minimal shelter. Temperature swings with elevation; expect subfreezing conditions in early morning even in late spring.
Over the past 30 days, the average wind has run 15 mph with occasional gusts to 43 mph; temperatures averaged 23 degrees Fahrenheit. The trend chart below shows the rolling 30-day NoGo Score, wind, temperature, and crowding across the past month and the week ahead. Watch for afternoon wind to spike and crowding to rise after stable high-pressure systems arrive.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Gemini Pass
Gemini Pass is a 12,040-foot col in the high Sierra east of the Mammoth Lakes basin, accessed via backcountry travel from the Mammoth area or from the eastern approach near the Nevada border. The pass sits in avalanche terrain; approach from a lower angle or wait for consolidation after spring storms. Primary access is from US Highway 395 near Mammoth, with the final approach typically by ski or snowshoe in winter and spring, or hiking scramble in summer. Base popularity is low, meaning crowds are minimal except during holiday weekends and immediately after highway reopenings.
This pass sits at the intersection of major wind corridors. The 30-day rolling average wind speed is 15 mph, but afternoon funneling can push gusts to 43 mph. Temperature averages 23 degrees Fahrenheit over the rolling 30-day window, with annual extremes ranging from 10 degrees in winter to 36 degrees in high summer. Snow persists until late spring or early summer depending on snowpack; early-season approaches require avalanche awareness and proper gear. Wind is strongest in afternoon hours; calm windows are narrow and occur mostly in early morning or after sun-set.
Gemini Pass appeals to backcountry skiers and mountaineers comfortable with high-elevation exposure and steep snowfields. Plan to summit or traverse early, before 10 a.m., to avoid afternoon wind and reduce avalanche risk from solar warming. Parking near Mammoth town is competitive on weekends; arrive Thursday or Friday if climbing over a weekend. A NoGo Score averaging 36 over 30 days means conditions are marginal roughly one-third of the time; check hourly forecasts and wind trends before committing to the approach. Snowpack varies widely; consult ESAC advisories before climbing.
The Mammoth Lakes corridor hosts numerous adjacent peaks and cols within a day's travel. Mammoth Mountain itself offers lift access and gentler terrain for those seeking high-Sierra conditions with less committing approach. The eastern Sierra more broadly (Inyo National Forest, White Mountains) provides lower-elevation alternatives if Gemini Pass conditions are poor. Winter travel in this region requires strong avalanche literacy and winter mountaineering skill; summer offers scrambling routes but exposure remains significant.